Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Prediction 18 December 2025
🔊 Can the visitors deliver a standout performance? In this NBA regular season clash, Chicago face off against Cleveland. Both teams boast solid offenses. However, the visitors have a strong foundation, particularly in their defensive setup. Naturally, this could impact the game, especially as it heads into the final stages.
Head-to-Head
📊Statistical analysis of previous official games between the teams Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers:
- played 61 matches;
- wins (including extra time): 30 for today's home team and 31 for the guests;
- the home team averages 104.54 points per match, the guests - 105.03;
- average total match points - 209.57.
The last confrontation took place on 09 November 2025 at the venue of Cleveland Cavaliers and ended with a score of 128:122.
Head-to-head statistics Chicago Bulls - Cleveland

Chicago Bulls Team Overview
Chicago aren't looking too good. They've suffered 8 losses in their last 10 games, including a recent defeat to a struggling New Orleans (104-114). Naturally, the team will aim to improve their offensive play in the upcoming matchup. With the third-fastest pace and no alternative in terms of style, they need to step up. Their defense has been dreadful, allowing 122.4 points per game (26th in the league). So, the Bulls will push forward, take plenty of shots, and hope for a miracle. Such miracles are rare, but they have little else to rely on.
It's impossible to ignore the team's defensive struggles. It's not just about the points allowed-it's a consequence of their pace. Their situation with steals is dire, averaging only 7.9 (28th). Additionally, the Bulls allow opponents to make 36.6% of their three-point attempts. Against Cleveland, this could be seen as almost a death sentence. With their offense faltering and defense in shambles, their chances don't look promising.
Match Results: Chicago Bulls

Cleveland Cavaliers Team Overview
Cleveland's representatives can't boast any remarkable trends either. Their wins and losses alternate. For instance, they might outplay San Antonio (130-117), only to fall to Charlotte with a score of 111-119. Moreover, in the game against the Hornets, the overtime saw them miss every shot-a shocking outcome, especially considering the team boasts the 9th best offense (118.7) and a bona fide star in Donovan Mitchell. Naturally, after such a setback, the team is eager to bounce back.
It's challenging to envision a scenario where the Cavs suddenly transform in all aspects. But everything is relative. Chicago finds themselves in a much more dire situation. They might hit from long range. Their sharpshooters are gradually returning to the lineup. Additionally, a high volume of attempts could eventually lead to quality. Let's not forget about their defense, featuring Allen, Mobley, and Hunter.
Match Results: Cleveland Cavaliers
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- Number of encounters - 61;
- Home team wins - 30, away team wins - 31.
- Chicago Bulls have lost in 8 of last 9 games (NBA).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H:
- average total points per match for the home team - 104.54, for the away team - 105.03;
- average total points in H2H matches - 209.57.
Statistics: Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
- average total in the tournament: 239.7 vs 234.32;
- average total points scored: 117.73 vs 118.03;
- average total points conceded: 121.97 vs 116.29;
- average total points scored in the 1st half: 57.77 vs 56.61;
- average total points scored in the 2nd half: 59.3 vs 61.1;
- Chicago Bulls: average total points scored at home in the tournament - 115.4;
- Cleveland Cavaliers: average total points scored away in the tournament - 121.92;
- last 10 matches (average total points scored): 112 (home - 104.8) vs 116.7 (away - 121.75).
- Cleveland Cavaliers have scored under 123.5 points in 29 of last 31 away games against Chicago Bulls (NBA).
Editorial Prediction
In the current scenario, bookmakers are right to consider the Cavaliers as favorites. Yes, Atkinson's squad is on the road, but that shouldn't be a significant issue against a team with the league's 26th-ranked defense. They will undoubtedly create quality scoring opportunities on the opponent's court, especially with their strong bench depth featuring players capable of consistently hitting long-range shots. At the crucial moments, the Cavaliers' formidable front line will step up and deliver solid defensive stretches. The gap in class is substantial, and the ambitions and resources are fundamentally different. Therefore, our editorial team suggests backing the visitors and taking Cleveland's spread (-3.5).