The Cleveland Cavaliers (16-7) look to prolong their 11-game winning streak against the faltering Chicago Bulls (3-18) at United Center. Cleveland is a 9.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 211.5 points. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 4, 2017, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls ATS Preview
The Cavaliers were victorious over the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game, 116-111. LeBron James was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 13-for-22 shooting. Cleveland played a nearly flawless game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.280 (above their season average of 0.230) and a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 13.7). For those same stats, Memphis was 0.143 and 11.7, respectively.
In the Bulls last matchup, they were beaten by the Sacramento Kings, 107-106. Jerian Grant was Chicago’s leading scorer with 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting. Sacramento did a fantastic job of making free throws (11-14; 78.6 percent). Chicago, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (7.7 vs. 11.6).
Chicago should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Chicago ranks second in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.6 percent), while Cleveland forces the seventh-fewest turnovers (13.8 percent). Moreover, the Cavaliers rank fourth in offensive efficiency (111.2), while the Bulls rank 28th in defensive efficiency (109.4).
In terms of the O/U total, these teams are complete opposites. Games involving Cleveland have finished over 60.9 percent of the time, while 57.1 percent of Chicago games have finished under. The Cavaliers have the better straight up (SU) record (16-7 vs. 3-18), but the Bulls have the superior against the spread (ATS) record (8-10-3 vs. 8-14-1).
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined for 231 points in that game, which was well over the projected point total of 205.5. The Cavaliers won 119-112, but were unable to cover as 16-point favorites. Cleveland did a terrific job of making free throws (17-22; 77.3 percent). Chicago, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 8.9). James put up a double-double in the victory with 34 points and 13 assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Cavaliers rank 14th in points in the paint per game (44.4) while the Bulls rank 29th (37.3).
- Cleveland ranks second in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while Chicago ranks eighth (4.3).
- Chicago ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (10.5) while Cleveland ranks 18th (12.8).
- Chicago ranks 25th in steals per game (7.0) while Cleveland ranks 26th (7.0).
- On the road, Cleveland is 7-4 ATS with 7 overs and 4 unders.
- Chicago is 3-4-2 ATS at home with 7 unders and 2 overs.
- Cleveland is 6-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Chicago is 2-4.
- The Cavaliers are 16-5 when they score over 100 points, while the Bulls are 2-6.
- The Cavaliers rank 13th in assists per game (22.7) while the Bulls rank 27th in assists allowed per game (24.8).
- Chicago averages 31.7 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Cleveland ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (31.6).
- The Cavaliers rank 11th in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while the Bulls rank 28th (13.6).
- The Cavaliers rank 19th in fast break points per game (9.3) while the Bulls rank 25th (8.4).
- Cleveland ranks 12th in rebounds allowed per game (42.8) while Chicago ranks 28th (46.5).
Bettings Trends:
- Chicago is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Cleveland is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Bulls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.6, up from 11.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 111.6 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 102.4 points per game (6.5 below their season average).
