The Chicago Bulls (11-15) face the Cleveland Cavaliers (15-13) in a Central Division rematch just two days after Chicago’s convincing home win over Cleveland. The Bulls aim to sweep the back-to-back set and build on their recent momentum, while the Cavaliers look to snap a two-game skid and leverage home-court advantage amid a troubling stretch. This game could turn on Cleveland’s depleted frontcourt and Chicago’s defensive intensity, with the Cavs favored despite recent struggles. Expect a physical, high-scoring affair given both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
It will be broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago and Bally Sports Ohio.
Team Records
Chicago Bulls: 11-15 (13th in Eastern Conference)
Cleveland Cavaliers: 15-13 (8th in Eastern Conference)
Cleveland has a solid 9-5 home record, while Chicago is 4-9 on the road.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have struggled lately, each going 3-7 in their last 10 games, but Chicago enters with two straight wins, including a dominant victory over Cleveland.
Chicago Bulls Recent Form (Last 10 Games): The Bulls are 3-7 in their last 10, averaging 114.2 points per game but allowing 119.8 in losses. They’ve shown signs of life with back-to-back wins, fueled by strong shooting (48.1% FG in wins).
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 17 | vs. CLE | W | 127-111 |
| Dec 13 | vs. CHA | W | 129-126 |
| Dec 8 | vs. GSW | L | 91-123 |
| Dec 6 | vs. IND | L | 105-120 |
| Dec 4 | vs. BKN | L | 103-113 |
| Dec 2 | vs. ORL | L | 120-125 |
| Nov 30 | vs. IND | L | 101-103 |
| Nov 29 | vs. CHA | L | 116-123 |
| Nov 25 | vs. NOP | L | 130-143 |
| Nov 23 | vs. WAS | W | 121-120 |
Cleveland Cavaliers Recent Form (Last 10 Games): The Cavaliers are 3-7 in their last 10, with seven losses in that span highlighting defensive issues (allowing 118.4 points per game in losses). They’ve dropped two straight, including the blowout to Chicago.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 17 | @ CHI | L | 111-127 |
| Dec 14 | vs. CHA | L | 111-119 (OT) |
| Dec 12 | vs. WAS | W | 130-126 |
| Dec 6 | vs. GSW | L | 94-99 |
| Dec 5 | vs. SAS | W | 130-117 |
| Dec 3 | vs. POR | L | 110-122 |
| Dec 1 | vs. IND | W | 135-119 |
| Nov 30 | vs. BOS | L | 115-117 |
| Nov 28 | vs. ATL | L | 123-130 |
| Nov 24 | vs. TOR | L | 99-110 |
Injury Report
Chicago Bulls:
Ayo Dosunmu (G): GTD (thumb; day-to-day after recent practice).
Lachlan Olbrich (C): GTD (quadriceps; limited in minutes if active).
Noa Essengue (F): OUT (shoulder; out for season).
(Note: Some sources list Zach Collins and Tre Jones, but these appear to be errors; they play for the Spurs. Focus on confirmed Bulls players.)
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Donovan Mitchell (G): GTD (illness; expected to play after missing practice).
Luke Travers (G): GTD (hamstring; bench role if cleared).
Max Strus (F): OUT (foot; expected back December 22).
Sam Merrill (G): OUT (hand; expected back December 22).
Evan Mobley (F/C): OUT (calf; expected back December 27).
Cleveland’s frontcourt depth is hit hard without Mobley, forcing reliance on Jarrett Allen.
Player Matchups
Injuries shape key battles in this rematch:
Donovan Mitchell (CLE) vs. Coby White (CHI): Mitchell (28.4 PPG) exploded for 32 in the loss but faces White’s quickness (18.2 PPG, strong defensively). If Mitchell is limited by illness, White could control the tempo.
Jarrett Allen (CLE) vs. Nikola Vucevic (CHI): With Mobley out, Allen (16.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG) must handle Vucevic (20.1 PPG, 9.8 RPG), who dominated the glass in the last meeting (14 rebounds).
Darius Garland (CLE) vs. Ayo Dosunmu (CHI): Garland’s playmaking (20.3 PPG, 7.1 APG) meets Dosunmu’s versatility (if active; 12.4 PPG). Dosunmu’s thumb could force Chicago to adjust with Josh Giddey.
Bench Battle: Cleveland’s reserves are thinned without Strus and Merrill, potentially giving Chicago’s depth (Zach LaVine, if healthy; 22.6 PPG) an edge in scoring bursts.
Chicago’s backcourt could exploit Cleveland’s injuries, but the Cavs’ home energy might elevate role players like Dean Wade.
Series History
The Bulls lead the all-time regular-season series 133-106. In playoffs, Chicago holds a 20-14 edge, winning five of seven series. However, Cleveland has dominated recently, going 8-2 in the last 10 meetings (including a 4-1 edge in the last five regular-season games). Chicago snapped a four-game losing streak to Cleveland with their December 17 win (127-111). The average margin in recent matchups is 12.4 points, with the over hitting in six of the last eight.
Betting Trends
Spread: Cleveland is 12-15-1 ATS overall but 7-7 ATS at home. Chicago is 13-13 ATS and 5-4 ATS as road underdogs.
Over/Under: Cavaliers games have gone over in 14 of 28 (50%), while Bulls games hit the under in 15 of 26 (57.7%).
Key Trends: Cleveland is 9-7 straight up as -255 or greater favorites. The over has hit in 6 of the last 8 series meetings. Chicago is 4-1 ATS after a win but 2-6 ATS on the road vs. .500+ teams. The Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls 240.5
Cleveland Cavaliers – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025
