Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers January 2 Betting Preview

The last time the Cavs and Bulls faced off against each other, it brought an intensity that many people look forward to come springtime, as Kevin Love also felt like his team was trying to do everything but win the game.

“We did everything we could to lose that game, but we just have to survive and advance,” said Love. “It felt like March Madness tonight."

“Really ugly game, but again, we have to win ugly sometimes, and we’re thankful we did that.”

The Cavs had a pretty good idea that the Bulls would be going to DeMar DeRozan to attempt the game-winning shot, which he ended up doing in the face of Caris LeVert.

“I think the whole world knew (who was going to take the last shot),” said LeVert. “He makes those shots all the time.”

LeVert finished the game with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, as he can fill up the box score in a hurry when the Cavs make an effort to get him involved.

Love added 20 points and nine rebounds. Donovan Mitchell contributed 15 points, six assists, and four steals.

Chicago Bulls Betting Preview

The Bulls are continuing to prove that they can hang in with some of the best teams in the league, as they recently defeated the Milwaukee Bucks and nearly beat the Cavs.

“We got a defensive stop late to give ourselves a chance, but certainly the first 47 (minutes) was like a grind for us,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “But I think our guys battled through it and tried the best they could.”

Indeed, the Bulls really grinded throughout the majority of the game, but they just didn’t have enough to put away one of the strongest units in the league.

DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 21 points. Ayo Dosumnu added 19 points. Zach LaVine scored 15 points. Nikola Vucevic contributed 11 points and 14 rebounds.

The Bulls will need a little bit more scoring from their core players if they hope to come out on top in this one.

Odds

The Cavs are favored by a -4.5 spread, as they’ll be back home in Cleveland for this rematch.

It was a very close game down to the wire in their last matchup, so this game could very well end up being the same thing, as both teams should be very familiar with each other.

The spread is low enough, however, for them to win and cover.

Share article on: