Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
January 4, 2017
Date & time: Wednesday, January 4, 8:00 PM
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland)
Head to head record
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers 111-105 (2016/2017 NBA)
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers 118-108 (2016/2017 NBA pre-season)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls 79-85 (Summer League 2016)
Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers 105-102 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls 106-95 (2015/2016 NBA)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls prediction
Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to record their fourth consecutive win in the league when they take on Chicago Bulls at their Quicken Loans Arena. Bulls have nothing to lose in Wednesday’s game against the title holders and it remains to be seen if they are capable of claiming a major scalp.
Quicken Loans Arena – the fortress
Cleveland Cavaliers recorded a 121-109 win over Charlotte Hornets in their first game of the new year. Cavs failed to impress in Monday’s clash against New Orleans Pelicans, but they eventually defeated Anthony Davis and Co. at their Quicken Loans Arena (90-82). Kyrie Irving misses the game with injury and in his absence LeBron James led Tyronn Lue’s team to the triumph. Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning run at home to ten games, but they do not want to stop now. The defending champions aim to cement top position in the Eastern Conference and a win over Bulls would see them move a little closer to meeting the goal. Tyronn Lue has some selection worries ahead of the visit of Chicago, but he has a number of top-class players to choose from and that should not prove to be a big problem for the hosts.
The likes of Kevin Love (illness), Mike Dunleavy (ankle) and Kyrie Irving are all rated doubtful for Wednesday’s game against Chicago Bulls, while J.R. Smith and Chris Andersen are definitely out of contention with injury.
Important win over Hornets
Following back-to-back defeats to the likes of Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls recorded their first win of the year on Monday, with the team beating Charlotte Hornets at home. Jimmy Butler impressed in the 118-111 win over Hornets; the team’s key player scored 52 points and he outdueled Kemba Walker in the United Center showdown. Butler has been in a thrilling form of late and, no doubt, Cavs will give 100% to stop him on Wednesday evening. Bulls have been struggling on the travels this season and it has to be noted that they suffered a loss in each of their previous six away games in the league. Chicago did well to beat Cavs at home earlier this season, but beating Cavs at Quicken Loans Arena is easier said than done. In their last away match Fred Hoiberg’s men suffered a 111-101 loss to Indiana Pacers.
Denzel Valentine and Dwyane Wade are both major doubts and the duo will be monitored on the match day. Coach Fred Hoiberg has no other fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Cleveland.
Interesting facts
- Cleveland scored 103+ points in eight of their last nine home games
- LeBron James has been averaging 25.6 points this season
- Bulls are on a six-game losing run on the road
- Jimmy Butler scored 26 points in a 111-105 win over Cavs earlier this season
- Cavs conceded 102+ points in four of their previous six home games
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls betting pick
Cleveland Cavaliers are a real force to be reckoned with at home, while Chicago’s away record is anything but good. As a result, David faces Goliath at Quicken Loans Arena and I am positive that Tyronn Lue’s men will emerge triumphant in Wednesday’s showdown. In their last meeting in Cleveland (NBA) Cavs recorded a 106-95 victory over Bulls.
Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers to win
Odds: -333
