Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction, Picks, and Odds Movement for December 19 2025

By: Kyle Kargel Published 12/19/2025, 08:29 AM ET
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Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers picks are front and center for the second leg of this Central Division home-and-home, and the betting angle is just as compelling as the situational one. Chicago already punched Cleveland in the mouth once, and now the market is asking bettors to decide whether that result was a blip or a signal. I am breaking this matchup down from a strictly betting-focused perspective for anyone looking for sharp NBA picks or NBA predictions.

Quick Picks and Prediction

  • Spread Pick: Bulls +7.5
  • Total Pick: Under 240
  • Projected Final Score: Bulls 114, Cavaliers 109

Odds and Line Movement

Opening Odds

Team Spread Total
Chicago +8.5 242
Cleveland -8.5 242

Current Odds

Team Spread Total
Chicago +7.5 240
Cleveland -7.5 240

Line Movement - Spread

Date Time Chicago Cleveland
12/18 04:23PM +8.5 -8.5
12/18 05:33PM +6.5 -6.5
12/19 12:28AM +7.5 -7.5

Line Movement - Total

Date Time Over Under
12/18 04:23PM 242 242
12/18 05:31PM 239 239
12/19 05:13AM 240 240

Key Matchups and Handicap

This is the second meeting in as many nights between these two teams, and Chicago already flipped the script with a 127-111 win as a home underdog. That result snapped a five-game winning streak for Cleveland in the series and ended a four-game over streak in the matchup. The Bulls won the fast-break battle 25-14, while Cleveland did most of its damage inside, outscoring Chicago 68-52 in the paint.

Nikola Vucevic, Josh Giddey and Coby White all reached the 20-point mark in Wednesday’s win, giving Chicago balance that Cleveland struggled to match. From a betting standpoint, the situational edge favors the Bulls again. Cleveland has been a disaster as a favorite all season, and the current market still requires the Cavaliers to win with margin despite a locker room that appears to be tightening up.

Seven of Chicago’s last nine games have stayed under the total, and that trend lines up with a potential pace correction here. Cleveland’s offense has not been as fluid, injuries continue to mount, and trade rumors are beginning to swirl as the Cavaliers’ championship window appears to be closing faster than expected.

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  • Chicago has seen seven of its last nine games stay under the total.
  • Cleveland is 8-20 against the spread this season.
  • The Cavaliers are 4-11 ATS as a home favorite.
  • This matchup had gone over in four straight games prior to Wednesday.

Key Injuries and Notes for CHI and CLE

  • CHI: Ayo Dosunmu is questionable after missing Wednesday’s game.
  • CHI: Tre Jones is questionable after scoring 11 points off the bench.
  • CLE: Donovan Mitchell is listed as questionable.
  • CLE: Max Strus, Sam Merrill and Evan Mobley all missed Wednesday’s contest.

ATS and Total Picks

  • Against the Spread: Bulls +7.5
  • Total: Under 240

Final Score Prediction

Chicago Bulls 114, Cleveland Cavaliers 109

How to Bet

If you are planning to bet this matchup, line shopping is critical with spreads and totals both moving throughout the day. I recommend comparing prices at multiple best sportsbooks and checking available sportsbook promo codes before locking anything in. Bettors who prefer alternative formats can explore social sportsbooks, while those looking for specific offers should review the bet365 bonus code or the fliff promo code to maximize value.

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