Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA): odds and picks 18.12.2025

NBA game at the United Center starting in the early hours of Thursday, 18 December. A clash of contrasts: Chicago needs early momentum and accuracy to avoid falling behind; Cleveland feels comfortable slowing down the pace, closing down its basket and punishing second chances. I expect a physical duel, with a lot of influence from rebounding and turnover control.

Schedule situation: back-to-back games for both teams and an easier trip for Cleveland within the East. If the Bulls limit turnovers and find consistent outside shooting, they can even things up, but if the game settles into half-court play, the Cavs’ plan (defence + rebounding) usually imposes itself. Close finishes likely.

Latest news on the Chicago Bulls

They feel better at home when they run after their opponents’ mistakes. They must protect the ball, avoid forced early shots and drive to the basket to earn free throws. If their 3-pointers don’t fall or they lose rebounds, they struggle to maintain their lead and suffer runs against them in the third quarter.

Latest on the Cleveland Cavaliers

Consistent when the pace slows down and defensive rebounding is under control. Their plan is to minimise turnovers, select their three-point shots and punish every bad transition by the home team. In close games, their execution in the half court is usually more reliable.

Summary of key factors in this match

• Pace: Cleveland favours half court; Chicago needs to run.
• Rebounding: visiting advantage if they control the glass; cut off second chances.
• Turnovers: Bulls threshold ~13; above that, their efficiency drops.
• Three-pointers: if the home team does not exceed ~35% 3P, the score will favour the visitors.
• Schedule: even load; rotation depth and fouls will decide streaks.

Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers: our prediction

BeniThe conservative one

Cleveland Cavaliers +2.5 Asian handicap (regulation time). Odds 1.56

In a close game, I prefer to go with the away cushion. Cleveland tends to dominate the pace and rebounds when the script gets heavy; with this spread, we cover a one-possession finish without demanding a pure moneyline.

BetoThe bold one

Cleveland wins by 6-10 points (margin of victory). Odds 4.00

If they control turnovers and shut down the home team’s three-pointers, they can open up a manageable lead after the break. In that scenario, the Cavs manage two or three possessions until the end, and the margin market offers high odds that make sense.