Even in a weakened East, the Cleveland Cavaliers are falling a long way short of last season’s 64-win mark – but a visit from the struggling Chicago Bulls could provide a friendly bounce-back spot tonight.
Though Cleveland is just 3-7 in its last 10 games, Chicago is 2-8 in that same span, and my Bulls vs. Cavaliers predictions signal some much-needed home cooking here for Kenny Atkinson’s men.
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Chicago took the bragging rights when these teams met in the Windy City on Wednesday, and my NBA picks dig into this December 19 rematch.
Bulls vs Cavaliers prediction
Bulls vs Cavaliers best bet: Darius Garland Over 22.5 points (-115)
Tensions are rising for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they slide further from the Eastern Conference pace-setters, and there’s urgency to turn the corner before full-scale panic sets in. So, if ever there was a time for Darius Garland to get going, it’s now.
Cleveland is desperate for steady contributions alongside Donovan Mitchell, who’s had no choice but to shift into hero mode lately, and Garland is the likeliest candidate to answer the call.
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With Evan Mobley sidelined and Mitchell listed as questionable due to an illness, Garland has a path to a high-touch offensive night against the Chicago Bulls, and I’ll take the Over on his points prop, despite some inefficient outings this month.
Garland at least served up a reminder of his talent with a 26-point effort against the Charlotte Hornets last weekend, and he should be able to exploit driving lanes here, with Chicago allowing 121.9 PPG this year (26th in the league).
While the mood is unquestionably gloomy around the Cavs, the Bulls have issues of their own. They’ve slumped to 11-15 after a bright start and coughed up 47 points to the Cleveland backcourt in midweek.
Garland has drilled three 3-pointers in back-to-back contests, and this is a perfect opportunity for him to take on a bigger share of the scoring burden.
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Bulls vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
The Cavs have won eight of their past 10 matchups against the Bulls, and they covered the spread in two of the last three meetings in Cleveland.
This line suggests that Mitchell will suit up, and he dropped 32 points on Chicago earlier in the week. I’m laying the points for my SGP, with neither of these teams thriving against the spread.
I also expect Josh Giddey to put up strong numbers again. He finished with a 23-11-11 triple-double against the Cavs on Wednesday, and he’s dished 11+ dimes three times already this month.
Giddey’s playmaking is one of several reasons to think this clash will turn into a shootout.
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Bulls vs Cavaliers SGP
Darius Garland Over 22.5 points
Josh Giddey Over 8.5 assists
Our “from downtown” SGP: Fade White
Coby White has scored 20 points or fewer in three of his last four games, so I’ll fade this total tonight. He’s shooting just 21% from downtown in December, and there are plenty of mouths to feed in this Chicago offense.
Nikola Vucevic and Matas Buzelis could both eat into his shot volume here.
Bulls vs Cavaliers SGP
Darius Garland Over 22.5 points
Josh Giddey Over 8.5 assists
Coby White Under 21.5 points
Bulls vs Cavaliers odds
Spread: Bulls -6.5 (-110) | Cavaliers +6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bulls +210 | Cavaliers -260
Over/Under: Over 240.5 (-110) | Under 240.5 (-110)
Bulls vs Cavaliers betting trend to know
The Bulls are 4-9 SU on the road this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Bulls vs Cavaliers
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Friday, December 19, 2025
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, FDSN Ohio
Bulls vs Cavaliers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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