The Cleveland Cavaliers have already clinched a playoff berth while the Chicago Bulls sit 5 ½ games back from eighth place in the Eastern playoff race with eight games remaining. Both teams have a win on home court during their last two meetings. Oddsmakers at BetUS.com are offering the Cavs as 7-point favs over the Bulls with the over/under posted at 198 ½. Get your free NBA Pick in now at BetUS.com
The Cavs have won back to back games and are 4-1 SU in their last five on home court. They recently beat Charlotte 118-114 as 2 ½-point road favs. The Cavs got a win after LeBron James was ejected for committing his sixth foul on the night. With 3:56 remaining and Cleveland ahead 104-101 James fouled out for the only the third time in his career, Wally Szczerbiak, Devin Brown and Zydrunas Ilgauskas all made big plays for the Cavs, who had seven players finish with double-digit points. LeBron has no problems scoring against the struggling Bulls; he’s averaged 33pts, 6 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 10 games versus the Bulls since the start of the 2005-06 season. The Cavs have averaged 95 PPG in their last five and at home they’re averaging 98 PPG. On defense they’ve allowed 99 PPG in their last five, but without Ben Wallace this may be a little higher. He’s averaging just 5 PPG but he is their top rebounder with 9 RPG. The Cavs are 12-3 SU against the Bulls on home court, and 10-1 SU in their last 11 at home. Overall at home they are 25-11 SU.
The Bulls need to win all eight to make the playoffs, which is impossible considering they’ve only won a maximum of two games in a row this season. They’ve won three games in their last ten. They recently lost to Boston 92-106 as 7 ½ point home dogs. Tyrus Thomas was the top producer with 24pts on the night and as a team they shot 41% from the field, 30 of 72. The Bulls have averaged 102 PPG in their last five and overall on the road they’re averaging 95 PPG. On defense they’ve given up an average 107 PPG in their last five and overall on the road they allow an average 100 PPG. They are 0-6 SU during their last five on the road and they are 11-26 SU away from home.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Cleveland.
- Favorite is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
- Home team is 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
- Bulls are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
- Bulls are 1-7 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Cleveland.
GAME: Chicago Bulls (29-45) at Cleveland Cavaliers (42-33)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 03 – 8:00 PM EST
LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 198 ½
PICK: Cleveland -7
The Bottom Line: The Cavs have only lost one home game in their last 11 and with the rest of the team scoring they’ll be a rejuvenated and pumped team tonight. Get your free NBA Pick in now at BetUS.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit.
