Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Cavaliers vs Bulls NBA Fri, Nov 15, 19:30 pm.
Cavaliers
ML: -300
0
0
Bulls
ML: 240
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At 7:30 ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Chicago Bulls in a divisional matchup. The Cavaliers are favored by 10.5 points and have won 13 straight games. The Bulls are 5-7 on the season and have lost three in a row.

This game will be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. The over/under line is set at 237.5 points. The Cavaliers are -539 on the moneyline, while the Bulls are +402. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 ET and the game can be seen on CHSN.

Bulls vs. Cavaliers Key Information

  • Sport: NBA
  • Teams: Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Where: Cleveland at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
  • Date: Friday, November 15th
  • Betting Odds CLE -10.5, CHI +402 | CLE -539 O/U 237.5

The Bulls Can Win If…

The Bulls improved to 5-7 on the season with a 124-123 win over the Knicks on Wednesday. Chicago, who entered the game as +8.5 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The teams combined for 247 points, going over the pre-game total of 231.

Chicago took control early, leading 59-47 at halftime. They extended their lead to 90-71 before the Knicks went on a 17-0 run, narrowing the gap to 90-88. Despite the Knicks outscoring the Bulls 38-34 in the 4th quarter, Chicago held on for the win.

Zach LaVine’s 31 points and 8 assists led the Bulls to a 124-123 win over the Knicks, as he shot 70.6% from the field and hit 4 threes at a 50% rate. Chicago connected on 14 threes, shooting 38.9% from deep, and finished with an overall field goal percentage of 53.7%.

Coby White added 22 points despite shooting just 37.5%, while Nikola Vucevic contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 64.3% of his shots. Patrick Williams scored 11 of his 18 points in the 1st quarter, and Ayo Dosunmu added 9 of his 16 points in the 4th.

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The Bulls’ defense started strong, giving up just 47 points in the first half, but they struggled in the 3rd and 4th quarters, allowing 38 points in each. Despite the tough 2nd half, they managed to hold on for the win, even while allowing the Knicks to shoot 51% from the field.

Chicago also gave up 15 three-pointers on 40% shooting. They sent the Knicks to the line 18 times, where New York made 12 free throws. The Bulls finished with 33 defensive rebounds, allowing 10 offensive boards, and added 10 steals and 6 blocks.

  • Chicago has played well in their previous three road games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 116 points per game while allowing 118. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
  • Through their last three games as the underdog, the Bulls have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
  • Over their last three games, the Bulls have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Cavaliers Can Win If…

The Cavaliers improved to 13-0 this season with a 114-106 win over the 76ers on Wednesday. Cleveland, favored by -10.5 points, didn’t cover the spread, winning by eight. The total points of 220 narrowly went over the 218.5 line.

Cleveland went on a key 10-0 run, stretching the score from 59-55 to 69-55. After trailing 54-48 at halftime, they outscored the 76ers 34-24 in the third and 32-28 in the fourth.

Darius Garland’s 25 points and 6 assists led the Cavaliers to a win over the 76ers, as he shot 62.5% from the field. Donovan Mitchell added 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, hitting 5 threes despite shooting 42.9% overall.

The Cavs connected on 16 threes at a 40% rate, shooting 49.4% from the field as a team. Garland scored 13 points in the 3rd quarter, while Mitchell matched that with 13 in the 4th.

The Cavaliers put together a solid defensive performance on Wednesday, holding the 76ers to 106 points on 44% shooting. Cleveland allowed 27 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters but tightened up in the 3rd, giving up just 24 points before allowing 28 in the 4th.

From beyond the arc, the Cavaliers limited the 76ers to 32% shooting, with Philadelphia making 14 threes. Cleveland also sent the 76ers to the free-throw line just 11 times, where they made 10. The Cavaliers finished with 8 steals and 1 block.

  • When looking at their past ten home matchups, Cleveland has an ATS record of 7-3 while averaging 117 per game. The team went 8-2 overall in these games.
  • Although the Cavaliers have a strong straight up record in their last three games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 0-3.
  • In their last five games, the Cavaliers have an over/under record of 4-1 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

As the underdogs with a spread of +10.5, we recommend going with the Bulls on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 237.5 and our model has the Bulls and Cavaliers finishing with a combined 254 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Cavaliers Aim to Stay Perfect, Bulls Ready for Another Test

Matchup: Chicago Bulls (7-7) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (13-0)
When: Friday night
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
NBA Cup Group: East Group C

The Cleveland Cavaliers have their sights set on making history as they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. With a 13-0 record to start the season, the Cavaliers are chasing the best start in NBA history. To match the 24-0 start by the Golden State Warriors in 2015-16, Cleveland still has 11 more wins to go, but they’ll need to get past a resilient Bulls team first.

Staying Grounded Amid the Streak

The Cavaliers pulled off another impressive victory on Wednesday, taking down the Philadelphia 76ers 114-106. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland continue to lead the charge, combining for 48 points against the Sixers, with Mitchell nearly notching a triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists. But even with the perfect start, Mitchell remains focused on the bigger picture.

“We’re hunting, but it’s also November,” Mitchell said. “I’m saying it is November. We’re not winning a championship right now. But these are good tests.”

Mitchell is fully aware that Cleveland’s historic start means they’re getting every team’s best shot. Yet, he emphasizes that it’s about building habits and staying consistent, especially as the season progresses.

Cleveland’s Depth and Defense

One of the Cavaliers’ strengths during this hot start has been their defense and versatility. Even when trailing, Cleveland has shown resilience, like their comeback against the 76ers after falling behind by eight in the third quarter.

Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have been crucial in controlling the paint, while Mitchell and Garland have been effective on both ends of the floor. Garland’s leadership was on full display in their recent victory:

“We know we’ve got a target on our back,” Garland said. “We’ve got to come in with that aggressiveness and confidence that we’re going to win every game, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”

Bulls Look to Build Momentum

The Bulls are coming off a thrilling 124-123 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, with Zach LaVine in top form. LaVine has been on a scoring tear, dropping 31 points against the Knicks after scoring 26 in their earlier loss to the Cavaliers. The Bulls hung tough with Cleveland earlier this week, tied at 106 with just over five minutes left, before the Cavaliers pulled away.

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LaVine has been the focal point of the Bulls’ offense, and he’s feeling confident:

“Pretty sharp,” LaVine said about his recent performances. “Let’s keep it that way.”

Lonzo Ball’s potential return could provide a boost for Chicago. Ball has missed the last eight games with a wrist injury, but there’s optimism he might be close to returning. However, coach Billy Donovan remains cautious:

“I know he was optimistic to get back this weekend,” Donovan said. “I don’t know if that’s realistic, but we’re not ruling it out.”

Key Matchups to Watch

  1. Garland & Mitchell vs. White & Giddey: The Bulls will rely on Coby White and Josh Giddey to contain Cleveland’s dynamic backcourt duo. Garland and Mitchell are among the league’s top-scoring tandems, and their ability to control the game could pose problems for Chicago.
  2. Mobley & Allen vs. Vucevic & DeRozan: The battle in the paint will be key. Cleveland’s big men have been dominant defensively, but Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan have the skills to counter and potentially open up opportunities for LaVine on the perimeter.
  3. LaVine vs. Cleveland’s Perimeter Defense: With LaVine in a scoring groove, the Cavaliers will need to focus on limiting his effectiveness. LaVine’s hot hand has been the driving force for Chicago’s offense, especially with Lonzo Ball sidelined.

What’s at Stake

For Cleveland, it’s about staying perfect and inching closer to the 24-0 record set by the Warriors. For Chicago, it’s an opportunity to stop the Cavs’ momentum and build on their thrilling win over the Knicks.

Prediction

The Cavaliers’ depth, defensive prowess, and home-court advantage make them tough to beat, especially against a Bulls team still dealing with injuries. However, with LaVine firing on all cylinders and the potential return of Lonzo Ball, Chicago could pose a challenge if they can keep the game close late. Still, Cleveland’s poise in clutch moments gives them the edge.

WinningCappers, The most trusted name in sports handicapping
Fri, Nov 15, 08:31 am.
spread
moneyline
over/under
Cavaliers
-6
-110
-300
O 116.5
-110
Bulls
+6
-110
240
U 116.5
-110
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