Bulls vs Cavaliers Prediction, Picks
Here's everything you need to know about Bulls vs. Cavaliers on Wednesday, Feb. 14 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The Cavaliers had their winning streak snapped by the 76ers on Monday, but they've still won nine of their last 10. The Bulls, meanwhile, have won three of their last four and head to Cleveland with some confidence.
Where does the betting value lie in Wednesday night's Eastern Conference showdown? Let's dive into the matchup and make some Bulls vs. Cavaliers picks and predictions.
Bulls vs Cavaliers Prediction
Pick: Over 223 · Cavaliers ML -375
Bulls Betting Outlook
There's a lot of noise about the Bulls staying quiet during the recent NBA trade deadline.
Zach Lavine was not a trade option after he underwent another surgery and was ruled out for the season. Damar DeRozan is on an expiring deal and unlikely to return, yet he stayed. The Warriors are known to have offered two first-round picks and Moses Moody for Alex Caruso, but the Bulls still turned it down.
Through quiet actions, the Bulls are making their intentions loud and obvious. They want to compete, even if it's for a play-in spot and low playoff seed.
Without having to integrate new play styles and being overly reliant on a youth movement, Chicago should still be able to put up points and play efficiently.
However, the Bulls are in the midst of a tough scheduling spot. They're on the fourth and final game of a road trip before the All-Star break, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them look a bit gassed.
Bet Bulls vs. Cavs with the latest BetMGM bonus code.
Cavaliers Betting Outlook
Cleveland has been the hottest team in the NBA since the calendar turned 2024.
The early story of the Cavs' January run was how impressive it was that they were winning without Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Well, the two elite young talents have come back into the fold, and the results have stayed the course.
This team is more dangerous now. The Cavaliers are routinely scoring north of 120 and allowing less than 110.
Look for Cleveland to finish strong at home in the last game before the All-Star break. Plus, we also get the slight buy-low dip after an ugly loss to a 76ers team without Joel Embiid.
Bulls vs Cavaliers Prediction, Odds
| Bulls Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+9 +100 | 224 -112o / -108u | +320 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-9 -120 | 224 -112o / -108u | -410 |
This game features my strongest bets on Wednesday's NBA slate: playing both the over and the Cavaliers moneyline.
We've identified a few offensive weapons on both sides of the ball, but there are also clear market signals that show this to be the sharp side. The line opened at 220.5 and has taken market-wide movement up to 224. Of course, there's less value after 3.5 points of movement, so play it small.
The Cavs ML also offers a strong play. Cleveland catches Chicago in a tough schedule spot, betting splits show big money on the Cavaliers' side, and early line movement agrees.
The reason to bet the moneyline instead of Cavs -9 is because wins by seven, five, six and eight points are the four most common NBA outcomes. Playing the -9 takes late-game fouls out of the picture and gives the Bulls a better chance to sneak in the backdoor.
Instead, I'll find the best ML on the market — the -375 at BetMGM — and play the Cavaliers that way.
When playing a juiced moneyline, I always like to remind bettors they don't need to increase risk. It's OK to maintain one unit and just decrease the return.
