The Chicago Bulls head to Ohio on Friday to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena in a rematch of Wednesday’s meeting at the United Center. It will be the teams’ third matchup of the season, with each side having won once so far.
The Cavs secured a 128-122 win in the first matchup in Cleveland, while the Bulls recorded a dominant 127-111 victory in the last game. Following the result, the Cavaliers (15-13) slipped to eighth in the East, while the Bulls (11-15) climbed to 10th place.
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However, Chicago will need to improve on its 4–9 road record to challenge Cleveland at Rocket Arena, where the Cavaliers have gone 9–7 this season.
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Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction
Moneyline: Bulls +235, Cavaliers -290
Spread: Bulls +7.5 (-118), Cavaliers -7.5 (-102)
Total over/under (o/u): Bulls o240.5 (-110), Cavaliers u240.5 (-110)
*Editor’s note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers Preview
The Chicago Bulls will come into this matchup riding the momentum from their win on Wednesday. That result moved them to 2–1 over their last three games and suggests they may have finally put their seven-game losing streak behind them.
While the Bulls have kept opponents under 115 points in each of their last two outings, defensive consistency remains an issue. They are giving up 121.9 points per game, the fourth-worst figure in the league, while their offense sits around the middle of the pack at 117.6 points per game.
Coby White has been Chicago’s standout since returning from injury, averaging 22.0 ppg across 10 games and leading the team with 25 points on Wednesday. Josh Giddey has been the Bulls’ most consistent contributor, posting 20.2 ppg, 9.4 rpg, and 8.9 apg.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, meanwhile, suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this month following their defeat in Chicago. They will get an immediate chance to respond, though, as they welcome the Bulls to Rocket Arena tonight.
The Cavaliers will need to rediscover their offensive rhythm to get past Chicago. Despite owning the league’s 10th-ranked offense at 118.4 ppg, Cleveland has been limited to 111 points in each of its last two games. Defensive improvement is also required, as the Cavs are allowing 116.3 ppg, which ranks 16th in the league.
Donovan Mitchell remains Cleveland’s go-to option, averaging 30.7 ppg and leading the way in the previous outing with a 32-point performance. Evan Mobley has been the next best contributor, posting 19.3 ppg and 9.3 rpg.
However, both Mitchell and Mobley could be unavailable on Friday. Mitchell is listed as questionable, while Mobley has been ruled out along with Max Strus, Larry Nance Jr., Luke Travers, and Sam Merrill.
Meanwhile, the Bulls could be without Zach Collins, Tre Jones and Lachlan Olbrich, while Ayo Dosunmu and Noa Essengue will miss out.
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers predicted starting fives
Chicago Bulls predicted starting five
PG- Josh Giddey, SF- Coby White, SF- Isaac Okoro, PF- Matas Buzelis, C- Nikola Jokic
Cleveland Cavaliers predicted starting five
PG- Darius Garland, SG- Lonzo Ball, SF- Jaylon Tyson, PF- Dean Wade, C- Jarrett Allen
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting tips
Coby White is projected to score over 22.5 points following his 25-point outing. He is averaging 22.0 ppg.
Jarrett Allen is projected to score over 15.5 points. He is averaging 14.0 ppg this season.
Nikola Vucevic is expected to record over 8.5 rebounds. He is averaging 9.1 rpg.
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers prediction
The Cleveland Cavaliers are 7.5-point favorites against the spread. Despite their recent loss to the Bulls on Wednesday and the absence of key players, their strong performance at home and the Bulls’ struggles on the road should enable them to cover the spread.
Prediction: Cavs to win by 7 points or less.
Edited by Arian Kashyap
