Game Time: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 8:10 PM ET
Location: United Center, Chicago
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat this. As a Bulls fan, watching this team lately has been rough. But that’s exactly why tonight’s matchup against Cleveland might offer some betting value.
Current Betting Lines
Spread: Bulls +5.5 (-108)
Moneyline: Bulls +188 | Cavaliers -219
Total: 243 points
The Cavs are coming to the United Center as 5.5-point favorites, and honestly? That line feels about right given our recent struggles.
Bulls Recent Form: The Ugly Truth
Let me be real with you—we’re in a rough patch:
2-8 in our last 10 games
Currently on a 1-game losing streak
2-8 against the spread (that’s the part that really stings)
Games are staying under the total (7 of last 10)
The Bulls just haven’t been covering, and our offense has been inconsistent at best. When you’re winning only 20% of your recent games, it’s hard to get excited about anything.
Cavaliers Trending Down Too
Here’s the interesting part though—Cleveland isn’t exactly rolling either:
4-6 in their last 10 games
3-7 against the spread (three straight ATS losses)
Also trending under on totals (6 of last 10)
The Cavaliers are favorites for a reason, but they’re not invincible right now. They’ve been failing to cover spreads consistently, which could matter in a game where they’re laying 5.5 points.
Betting Analysis: Where’s the Value?
The Case for Bulls +5.5
Even as a frustrated fan, I can see some logic here. Cleveland has covered in only 3 of their last 10 games. When a team struggles to cover spreads, getting nearly six points at home starts looking interesting—even if we’ve been terrible too.
The Total Looks Tempting
Both teams have been consistently going under lately. The 243 total feels a bit high considering:
Bulls averaging 7 unders in last 10 games
Cavaliers with 6 unders in last 10 games
Both offenses struggling with consistency
If there’s a bet I’d feel confident about, it might be the under.
Prediction and Pick
The simulated models favor Cleveland winning 128-121, which would push toward the over and cover the Cavs spread. But models don’t always account for current momentum (or lack thereof).
My Take as a Bulls Fan:
Best Bet: Under 243 (-108)
Spread: Lean Bulls +5.5, but I’m nervous
Moneyline: Cavs probably win straight up
I’d love to tell you the Bulls are turning it around tonight, but I’ve been hurt too many times this season. Still, getting 5.5 points at home against a team that can’t cover spreads? There’s worse bets out there.
Key Factors to Watch
Will our home court actually mean anything tonight?
Can we keep it close in the fourth quarter?
Cleveland’s recent ATS struggles continuing
Final Thoughts
This isn’t the most exciting betting card for Bulls fans. We’re underdogs at home, riding a losing streak, and Cleveland—even while struggling themselves—is still the better team right now. But that spread combined with both teams’ under trends? That’s where I’m looking for value.
Just remember: I’m a Bulls fan first, bettor second. Don’t blame me if my homer heart is clouding my judgment on that +5.5.
Let´s go Bulls!
The post Cavaliers vs Bulls Betting Preview & Prediction Game Today December 17 : Can Chicago Cover the Spread at Home? appeared first on UrbanMatter.
