The Cleveland Cavaliers (12-30) will be at the United Center to go head-to-head against the Chicago Bulls (15-28) in a Central Division matchup. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last game. The Cavaliers (16.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies, 113-109, while the Bulls (3.5-point underdogs) fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, 100-89. The Cleveland game finished 2.5 points under the projected point total of 224.5, while the Chicago game finished 40.5 points under the projected point total of 229.5.
Cleveland had an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.2 (above their season average of 23.7) while Chicago did a great job of making free throws (11-15; 73.3 percent). Zach LaVine fueled Chicago with 23 points and seven rebounds. Cleveland rallied around Collin Sexton, who had 28 points and six assists.
In their first matchup this season, Kevin Love led the Cavaliers to a 117-111 victory. He registered a double-double with 17 points and 20 rebounds. Cleveland covered as a 1.5-point underdog and the two teams combined to put up 228 points, which was over the projected point total of 216.5. The Cavaliers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Bulls. Cleveland had a rate of 30.3, while Chicago posted a mark of 19.6.
Cavaliers games have gone over the total 53.7 percent of the time. Cleveland holds records of 12-30 straight up (SU) and 17-22-2 against the spread (ATS).
Bulls games have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Additionally, Chicago is 15-28 SU and 20-22 ATS.
The Cavaliers’ Sexton has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 21 points per game. Meanwhile, LaVine has averaged 32 points,5.4 rebounds,4.4 assists,1.2 steals during that same time frame for the Bulls.
Getting to the line could be few and far between for Chicago in this matchup. The Bulls rank 25th in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.181, while Cleveland ranks first in FTA rate allowed (0.157). Ball security could be troublesome for the Cavaliers. They rank 30th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.3 percent), while the Bulls force the most turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.8 percent).
Cavaliers at Bulls Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Bulls, ATS Winner – Bulls, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Cavaliers rank 20th in rebounds per game (44.3) while the Bulls rank 25th (43.0).
- Chicago averages 20.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the league. Cleveland ranks last in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.9).
- The Bulls average 47.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The Cavaliers rank last in points allowed in the paint per game (53.7).
- Chicago ranks 21st in blocks per game (4.4) while Cleveland ranks last in blocks allowed per game (6.6).
- Chicago averages 35.2 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 14th in three pointers allowed per game (33.4).
- The Bulls average 9.8 steals per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Cavaliers rank 28th in steals allowed per game (8.8).
- The Bulls rank 19th in assists allowed per game (24.6) while the Cavaliers rank 28th (26.0).
- Chicago ranks sixth in fast break points allowed per game (12.3) while Cleveland ranks 27th (15.5).
- Cleveland is 4-3 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Chicago is 5-2.
- The Cavaliers are 11-19 when they reach 100 points, while the Bulls are 15-16.
- Cleveland is 9-11-1 ATS on the road, while Chicago is 10-12 ATS at home.
- In 21 road games, the Cavaliers have 12 overs and 9 unders.
- In 22 home games, the Bulls have 12 unders and 10 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Cleveland has 4 overs and 1 under, while Chicago has 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 9.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 103.6 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.8 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
