Chicago Bulls Look to Maintain Dominance over Cavaliers

Saturday action in the NBA is highlighted by a Central division showdown when the Chicago Bulls visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. The current line has Cleveland favored by 11 points with the over/under point total sitting on 215.5.

Entering this game, Chicago has an overall record of 29-29 straight up and against the spread. On the road, the Bulls are 11-18 SU and 14-15 ATS. Cleveland on the season has a record of 40-16 SU and 27-27-2 ATS. At home, the Cavaliers are 25-5 SU and 16-12-2 ATS.

While the Bulls have not kept pace the last few years with the Cavaliers, they have had better results when the two teams meet head to head.

On Friday, the Bulls rallied to defeat Phoenix in overtime 128-121. Chicago has won each of its two games against Cleveland this season and three consecutive dating back to last season. The Bulls have actually won 20 of the past 26 games they have played against Cleveland. 

On Thursday, Cleveland defeated New York at home 119-104 after returning from the All-Star break. Cleveland did not make moves during the trade deadline and expect to have Kevin Love and J.R. Smith back in the lineup for the postseason, as both are out injured.

LeBron James continues to lead the team, while new acquisition Kyle Korver has averaged 21 points per game over his past two games. Deron Williams a veteran point guard waived by the Dallas Mavericks could sign with the Cavaliers.

Chicago kept star Jimmy Butler after it was rumored he would be traded. Three players acquired from Oklahoma City – Joffrey Lauvergne, Cameron Payne and Anthony Morrow – did not play on Friday although Lauvergne and Morrow were in uniform on the bench.

Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving had 23 points Thursday versus the Knicks and has scored that amount or more in seven consecutive games.

The Cavaliers have won 44 consecutive games at home when shooting 50% or better.

Chicago is 7-3 ATS in its past 10 games played.

Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its past 5 games played at home and against its past 5 opponents in the Eastern Conference.

Prediction: Cleveland has a much better team and will likely walk away with a straight up win in this contest, but Chicago has played very well against its Central division rival and should keep the game close. Lean here toward the Bulls and the points.