The Cleveland Cavaliers have a chance to secure the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs if they win against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. With an impressive record of 62-16, the Cavaliers are currently second-best in the NBA, leading the Boston Celtics by four games as the regular season nears its end. However, the Bulls, with a 36-42 record, are coming into this game with momentum, having won their last three games and seven of their last ten. The last time Cleveland was the top seed was in the 2015-16 season, when LeBron James led them to victory against the Warriors. For this game, Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers will be absent due to an ankle injury. For the Bulls, Coby White will be out for rest, and Josh Giddey`s participation is uncertain due to a forearm issue.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. According to the SportsLine consensus, the Cavaliers are favored by 12 points. The over/under for the game is set at 239.5 points. It`s recommended to check out the NBA predictions from SportsLine`s model before making any bets on this Cavaliers vs. Bulls game.
Betting Lines for Bulls vs. Cavs
- Cavaliers vs. Bulls spread: Cavaliers -12 on DraftKings Sportsbook
- Cavaliers vs. Bulls over/under: 239.5 points
- Cavaliers vs. Bulls money line: Cavaliers -621, Bulls +428
- CHI: The Bulls are 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last nine games
- CLE: The Under has occurred in the last three Cavaliers games
Why the Bulls Could Cover the Spread
Mitchell`s absence is a significant factor for the Cavaliers. He injured his ankle in their recent game against the Kings. Although he returned to play, with the Cavaliers close to securing the top seed, there`s no need to rush Mitchell back. His absence might give the Bulls an advantage, as they are still competing for better playoff seeding.
The Bulls are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference and are just one game away from the No. 8 seed, which would help them avoid the first play-in elimination game. A loss, however, would drop them to the No. 10 seed, forcing them to play the first play-in game on the road. The Bulls have been playing well recently, with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games and 12-4 in their last 16, with most losses being close.
Why the Cavaliers Could Cover the Spread
The Cavaliers have a perfect 7-0 record without Mitchell this season, and four of these wins were by double digits. Despite Mitchell`s importance, Cleveland`s strength lies in its deep roster. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen are key offensive contributors. Cleveland boasts the top-scoring offense in the league at 122.1 points per game and has consistently scored high even without Mitchell.
Cleveland has dominated Chicago this season, winning all three previous encounters, with the last two wins by an average of 20 points. The Cavaliers are among the most efficient teams in the NBA, ranking high in both shooting percentage and opponent shooting percentage. Securing the top seed in this game would also allow the Cavaliers to rest their key players before the playoffs.
Cavaliers vs. Bulls Expert Picks
The prediction model suggests betting on the Under, projecting a total of 227 points. It also indicates that one side of the spread has a nearly 60% chance of being correct. For detailed picks and betting advice, it`s recommended to visit SportsLine.
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Jasper Hawthorne