Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls Predictions 3/12/22

Cleveland Cavaliers (38-28 SU, 37-26-3 ATS) vs. Chicago Bulls (40-26 SU, 36-29-1 ATS)

When: Saturday March 12 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)

Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois

TV: BSOH

Point Spread: CLE +3.5/CHI -3.5 (Opened CHI -3.5 at BAS – They let you bet on games at -105 instead of -110!)

Total: 221 (Opened at 220.5)

Money Line: Cleveland 128/Chicago -154

Power Rating: CHI -4

Probable Starting Lineups

Cleveland Cavaliers PG Darius Garland, SG Isaac Okoro, SF Dean Wade, PF Lauri Markkanen, C Evan Mobley

Chicago Bulls PG Ayo Dosunmu P, SG Zach LaVine Q, SF Javonte Green, PF DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic P

Key Injuries

Cleveland Cavaliers
Caris LeVert: Foot (OUT)
Jarrett Allen: Finger (OUT)
Collin Sexton: Knee (OUT)

Chicago Bulls
Ayo Dosunmu: Groin (PROBABLE)
Nikola Vucevic: Hamstring (PROBABLE)
Zach LaVine: Knee (QUESTIONABLE)
Patrick Williams: Wrist (OUT)
Lonzo Ball: Knee (OUT)
Alex Caruso: Wrist (OUT)

The Chicago Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a Eastern-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the United Center.

Recent Form

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into this game with an overall record of 38-28, placing them 6th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Cleveland is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 18-17. Over the Cavaliers’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, Cleveland is averaging 111.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 106.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. A key reason for Cleveland’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 116.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 103.7. In the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most recent game, the team fell to Miami by a score of 117-105.

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with an overall record of 40-26, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference. So far, Chicago is above .500 at home, holding a record of 24-10. Over the Bulls’ last five games, they have picked up just one wins. In this stretch, Chicago’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 111.0 points per game. Combined, the Bulls’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Bulls’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 118.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 111.0. In the Chicago Bulls’ most recent game, Chicago took down Detroit by a score of 114-108.

Individual Player Analysis

As Cleveland travels to take on the Chicago Bulls, the Cavaliers’ leading scorer is Darius Garland. Through 51 games, Garland is averaging 21 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 47.0% of his games. As Garland gets set to take on the Bulls, he could be in line for a big game as Chicago is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.91% of their games. This figure places them 20nd among NBA defenses. On the other side, DeMar DeRozan leads the Bulls in scoring, averaging 28 points across his 62 games. Throughout the season, DeRozan has outscored his season average in 47.0% of his outings. Given that Cleveland’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, DeMar DeRozan should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Cavaliers have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 56.86% of their games, giving them a rank of 28th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Bulls come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 110.7 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Chicago is winning at a rate of 70%. These wins are coming by an average margin of 12.0 points. On the other side, the Cavaliers hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 30 games as the better defensive team, picking up 17 wins.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Chicago picked up a 117-104 win.

How the Public is Betting the Cavaliers vs Bulls

67% are betting the Bulls against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 221.0

More Picks: Minnesota at Miami Prediction ATS 3/12/22 >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Cavaliers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
• Cavaliers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
• Bulls are 21-7 ATS in their last 28 games as a home favorite.
• Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Chicago Bulls get set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers as 2.5 point home favorites. In terms of rest and scheduling, the Chicago Bulls have a clear advantage. The Bulls last played on Wednesday night in a win over Detroit. Whereas the Cavs come into the matchup, having played last night in Miami. Keep an eye on the injury report on whether Zach Lavine will be in the starting lineup, as he is questionable with a knee injury. However, even if he can’t give it a go, I still like the Bulls to cover at -2.5 points. Bet your NBA picks for FREE this week by taking advantage of a 100% real cash bonus from one of the top tier books on our best sportsbook bonuses page!