Cavaliers vs. Bulls Preview: Central Division Rivals Look to Regain Momentum

Teams searching for consistency collide Wednesday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Chicago Bulls in a key Central Division matchup. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at the United Center, with both squads eager to get back on track after weekend losses.

Recent Form and Standings

Cleveland enters the matchup at 15–12, but has dropped six of its last ten games. The Cavaliers are coming off a 119–111 loss to the Charlotte Hornets and have been uneven on the road this season, posting a 6–5 away record.

Chicago, meanwhile, sits at 10–15 and has struggled mightily of late, going 2–8 over its last 10 games. The Bulls fell 114–104 to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday and have been average at home with a 6–6 record at the United Center.

Injury Report

The Cavaliers will be shorthanded in the frontcourt, with Evan Mobley (calf) and Larry Nance Jr. (calf) both ruled out. For Chicago, Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is listed as questionable, leaving his availability uncertain heading into tipoff.

Odds and Game Outlook

According to consensus odds, Cleveland enters as a 5.5-point road favorite, while the total for the game is set at 241.5 points, signaling expectations of a fast-paced, offense-heavy contest.

Analytical models favor Cleveland’s overall depth and scoring balance, projecting Donovan Mitchell to lead the way offensively. On the Bulls’ side, Josh Giddey is expected to be a primary scoring option as Chicago looks to protect home court.

Betting Trends to Watch

• The under has hit in two of Cleveland’s last three games

• Chicago games have gone under the total in four of the last five

• Cleveland has covered the spread more consistently than Chicago during recent stretches

What’s at Stake

With the season moving deeper into December, this matchup carries added weight for both teams. Cleveland is trying to stay competitive in the upper half of the Eastern Conference, while Chicago needs a strong response to avoid falling further behind in the Central Division race.

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