The Chicago Bulls (8-25), 2-point underdogs, will be at Quicken Loans Arena to go head-to-head against the Cleveland Cavaliers (8-25) in a Central Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 201 points and it can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Odds
In the Bulls’ last contest, they defeated the Orlando Magic, 90-80, despite being 3.5-point underdogs. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, were beaten by the Toronto Raptors, 126-110, and were unable to cover as 11.5-point underdogs. The Chicago game finished 31.5 points under the projected point total of 201.5, while the Cleveland game finished 26 points over the projected point total of 210.
Chicago played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.253 (above their season average of 0.176) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.473 (below their season average of 0.497). Orlando was 0.186 and 0.372, respectively, for those same stats. Cleveland, meanwhile, did a great job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (23-30; 76.7 percent). Cleveland’s Larry Nance Jr. had a good game, contributing 16 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Chicago was led by Lauri Markkanen, who contributed 32 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Zach LaVine led the Bulls to a 99-98 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points. The two teams combined for 197 points, which was well under the projected point total of 212.5, and Chicago was unable to cover as a 5-point favorite. Chicago’s 0.171 free throw rate was their largest strength over Cleveland, who had a mark of 0.132.
Of the Bulls’ 33 games, 23 have gone under the O/U total. Chicago comes into the contest with records of 8-25 straight up (SU) and 15-17-1 against the spread (ATS).
Coinciding with Chicago, Cavaliers games have finished under the total 54.5 percent of the time. Moreover, Cleveland is 8-25 SU and 16-17 ATS.
Cleveland figures to have an edge on the offensive glass in this battle. The Cavaliers rank eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (25.3 percent), while Chicago ranks 24th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5 percent). Moreover, the Bulls rank 25th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.178), while the Cavaliers rank third in opponents’ FTA rate (0.175).
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Bulls are 25 in the NBA with 21.575757575757574 assists per game while the Cavaliers are 28 with 20 assists per game.
- Cleveland ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (43.4) while Chicago ranks last (48.6).
- The Bulls rank 20th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (2.6).
- Chicago ranks 22nd in points off turnovers per game (15.7) while Cleveland ranks 29th (13.4).
- Chicago ranks 23 in points in the paint per game (45.27272727272727) while Cleveland ranks 27 (42.60606060606061).
- The Cavaliers rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Bulls rank 24th (8.4).
- The Bulls rank 20 in fast break points per game (11.363636363636363) while the Cavaliers rank 25 (10.393939393939394).
- Chicago ranks 25 in three pointers attempted per game (27.727272727272727) while Cleveland ranks 27 (25.272727272727273).
- Cleveland ranks 11th in second chance points per game (13.8) while Chicago ranks last (9.3).
- Chicago is 4-4 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Cleveland is 3-2.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Bulls are 4-11 and the Cavaliers are 6-13.
- Cleveland is 7-10 ATS at home, while Chicago is 6-9-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 9 of the Cavaliers’ 17 home games, while 10 of the Bulls’ 16 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Cavaliers are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Chicago has 4 unders and 1 over, while Cleveland has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 93.6 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 97.4 points per game (13.1 below their season average).
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 8.5 for the season.
