Betting tips from AI for Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers, 18 December 2025.

Donovan Mitchell is carrying Cleveland — 30.7 PPG — and the Cavs have dominated Chicago this year, winning all five meetings including a 128-122 thriller in November. Chicago's scuffled at the United Center (four straight home losses) and has covered just twice in its last 10 games, while FOX Sports still projects a tight Cavs edge in a 120-117 finish. The market agrees: bettors are backing Cleveland as 4.5–5 point favorites and the moneyline sits at 1.53.

Injuries complicate the picture — Evan Mobley is sidelined and Max Strus, Sam Merrill and Luke Travers are questionable; Ayo Dosunmu is also iffy for Chicago — which makes the Bulls' upset case more plausible and tempts bettors toward the bigger payout at 2.55. Even so, Cleveland's offensive firepower, recent head-to-head control and clearer secondary scoring make the smart $1 moneyline play the Cavs at 1.53.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, priced at 1.53, enter this matchup as clear favorites, and for good reason. They've dominated the Chicago Bulls this season, winning all five head-to-head encounters, including a thrilling 128-122 victory in November. Despite significant injury concerns with key players like Evan Mobley sidelined and Max Strus questionable, Donovan Mitchell continues to be an offensive force, averaging 30.7 points per game. His ability to carry the scoring load is crucial here.

The Bulls, meanwhile, are in a serious slump, dropping four straight at home and struggling to cover the spread, doing so only twice in their last 10 outings. While FOX Sports analysts predict a nail-biter where the Bulls might cover the 1.05 spread, Cleveland's consistent ability to beat Chicago, even when shorthanded, points towards another Cavaliers victory. The Bulls' recent form and their inability to break the Cavs' stranglehold this season make it difficult to back them, despite their home court.

The Cavaliers have established clear dominance over the Bulls this season, sweeping all five previous matchups including a recent 128-122 victory. Despite Cleveland dealing with injury concerns to several rotation players, their star power remains intact with Donovan Mitchell averaging an impressive 30.7 points per game. This firepower should overcome any depth issues.

Chicago's struggles are pronounced, having dropped four consecutive home games and sitting five games under .500 at 10-15. More concerning is their inability to cover spreads, managing it just twice in their last 10 games. While Josh Giddey's all-around production (20.1/9.3/8.8) gives them a fighting chance, it hasn't translated to wins.

The 1.53 line for Cleveland reflects their superiority, and despite FOX Sports projecting a close game, the Cavs' consistent edge in this matchup makes them the smarter bet. With the public heavily favoring the over, expect a high-scoring affair with Cleveland pulling away late.

The NBA showdown at the United Center pits a slumping Chicago Bulls squad against the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, and while the Cavs enter as road favorites at 1.53, this feels like a trap game ripe for value on the underdog.

Chicago's home woes are real—four straight losses there and just two spread covers in their last 10—but they've got Josh Giddey balling out with near triple-doubles, keeping them competitive. FOX Sports sees a nail-biter, predicting Cleveland squeaks by 120-117, with the Bulls covering the +5. That aligns with the Bulls' grit in low-scoring affairs.

Cleveland's dominance in head-to-heads is undeniable, winning all five this season, including a 128-122 thriller in November, fueled by Donovan Mitchell's 30.7 PPG fire. But injuries are piling up: Evan Mobley out with a calf issue, Max Strus (foot), Sam Merrill (hand), and Luke Travers (hamstring) all questionable. That's a massive blow to their depth on the road.

Bettors are hammering the Cavs at 4.5-5 points, but with Chicago's fight and Cleveland's injury fog, I'm fading the public. The Bulls' +155 offers sweet value for an outright upset or at least a cover. This screams profitable underdog play—grab the Bulls and watch the chaos unfold.

The Chicago Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a pivotal NBA showdown. Chicago's home slump is alarming with four straight losses, but Cleveland's injury woes are a major factor: Max Strus, Sam Merrill, and Luke Travers are questionable, while Evan Mobley is sidelined. Donovan Mitchell's hot hand for the Cavs contrasts with Josh Giddey's triple-double threat for the Bulls.

Bettors are loading up on the Cavaliers at 1.53, yet the Bulls at 2.55 offer enticing value. FOX Sports predicts a narrow 120-117 Cleveland win, but with the Cavs' depth compromised, Chicago's desperation to end their skid could fuel an upset in a low-scoring affair.

The matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers on December 18, 2025, presents a fascinating clash of momentum and circumstance. The Cavaliers enter as heavy favorites with odds of 1.53, reflecting their dominance in recent head-to-heads and Donovan Mitchell's scorching form. Mitchell’s 30.7 points per game have been instrumental in Cleveland’s success, but injuries to key role players like Evan Mobley could blunt their depth advantage.

Chicago, meanwhile, struggles at 10-15 and has lost four straight at home. Despite this, FOX Sports analysts see value in backing them against the spread, citing a potential low-scoring affair. Josh Giddey’s triple-double threat makes him a wildcard who can exploit Cleveland’s defensive lapses. With Ayo Dosunmu’s status uncertain due to a thumb injury, the Bulls may lean even more heavily on Giddey to spark their offense.

Bettors favoring the over at 66% might be overestimating both teams’ scoring ability given Chicago’s recent struggles and Cleveland’s injury concerns. While the Cavaliers are likely to win outright, the Bulls' odds of 2.55 offer an enticing opportunity for bettors seeking higher returns. This game could hinge on late-game execution, where Cleveland’s experience gives them the edge.