The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bulls in a Central Division clash between two teams mired in recent slumps. Both squads are looking to regain momentum amid injuries and inconsistent play as the holiday stretch approaches.
Game Details
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Tip-Off Time: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)
Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast: CHSN (Bulls), FDSOH (Cavs regional)
Cleveland sits 7th in the Eastern Conference at 15-12 (6-5 on the road), while Chicago is 11th at 10-15 (6-6 at home). The Cavaliers opened as road favorites despite their injuries, but the line reflects caution given both teams’ recent struggles.
Injury Report (as of December 16, 2025 – 6:30 PM ET Official NBA Report)
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Out: Evan Mobley (Left Calf Strain – key absence, impacts defense and rebounding)
Out: Max Strus (Left Foot Surgery)
Out: Sam Merrill (Right Hand Sprain)
Out: Larry Nance Jr. (Right Calf Strain)
Out: Chris Livingston (G League – Two-Way), Luke Travers (G League – Two-Way)
The Cavs are significantly shorthanded in the frontcourt and wing depth, forcing more minutes on Jarrett Allen and reserves.
Chicago Bulls:
Questionable: Ayo Dosunmu (Right Thumb Sprain)
Out: Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery)
Out: Trentyn Flowers, Emanuel Miller, Lachlan Olbrich (all G League – Two-Way)
Chicago is relatively healthier, with Dosunmu’s status a potential boost if he plays. The Bulls have been navigating injuries all season but are starting to get key pieces back.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter on downswings, combining for poor shooting and defensive lapses.
Cleveland Cavaliers (3-6 in last 9 games):
The Cavs have dropped from a hot start, going 2-3 in their last five:
Dec 14: Loss 119-111 (OT) vs. Charlotte Hornets (poor shooting: 40.0% FG, 31.6% 3PT; booed by home crowd)
Dec 12: Win 130-126 at Washington Wizards
Dec 6: Loss 99-94 vs. Golden State Warriors
Dec 5: Win 130-117 vs. San Antonio Spurs
Dec 3: Loss 122-110 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Mitchell has struggled (e.g., 17 points on 6-of-24 shooting vs. CHA), while Darius Garland has carried more load (26 points in recent loss).
Chicago Bulls (2-8 in last 10 games, 1-8 in last 9 before recent win):
The Bulls snapped a 7-game skid briefly but remain inconsistent:
Dec 14: Loss 114-104 vs. New Orleans Pelicans (collapsed in 4th with 7 turnovers, 26.5% from 3)
Dec 12: Win 129-126 at Charlotte Hornets (ended long lose streak)
Dec 7: Loss 123-91 vs. Golden State Warriors
Dec 5: Loss 120-105 vs. Indiana Pacers
Dec 3: Loss 113-103 vs. Brooklyn Nets
Opponents are averaging 121.1 PPG against Chicago recently on strong shooting. Coby White has cooled (13.0% from 3 in December), while Nikola Vucevic remains steady.
Key Player Matchups
Donovan Mitchell (CLE) vs. Bulls Backcourt (Coby White/Josh Giddey/Ayo Dosunmu?): Mitchell’s scoring burst potential is huge, but his recent inefficiency could be exploited by Chicago’s perimeter defense if Dosunmu plays.
Darius Garland (CLE) vs. Josh Giddey (CHI): Garland’s playmaking vs. Giddey’s size and rebounding as a point forward.
Jarrett Allen (CLE) vs. Nikola Vucevic (CHI): Critical interior battle. With Mobley out, Allen must contain Vucevic (historically strong vs. CLE, averaging 19.5 PPG in last four but quiet in Nov. meeting). Vucevic could feast on Cleveland’s depleted frontcourt.
Wing Scoring: Cleveland misses Strus and Merrill’s spacing; Chicago’s Kevin Huerter (recent hot shooting) could provide secondary punch.
Series History
Cleveland has owned the recent rivalry, winning 5 straight and 12 of the last 13 meetings. The lone Bulls win in that stretch was in OT. Earlier this season (Nov. 8, 2025): Cavaliers won 128-122 at home, led by 29 points each from Mitchell and De’Andre Hunter. All-time regular season: Bulls lead 133-106, but current Cavs dominance is clear.
Betting Trends
Key Trends:
Cavaliers: 9-18 ATS overall; 3-7 ATS last 10; poor when favored by 5+ (5-13 ATS). Overs hit more on road (72.7%).
Bulls: 10-14-1 ATS; strong as +5 underdogs (5-1 ATS); better ATS at home.
Combined recent games: Averaging ~235-239 points (well under 240.5+ totals). Unders trending for both.
Game Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers – 4.5
Chicago Bulls 241.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
