NBA Lines: Bulls, Cavaliers Meet For Central Division Lead Fight

It is the time of year in the NBA when thoughts start to turn to the All-Star game and all the fun and festivities that come with it. Before the weekend arrives, though, there is a lone game on the Thursday night schedule that has the makings of a great one. The Atlanta Hawks may be getting all the NBA lines attention in the East right now, but the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers are a pair of teams that you leave out of the conversation at your own peril. Those two meet up in a game that could decide who be the Central Division leader when the All-Star Break hits. Date: February 12th, 2015 8:00PM Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois NBA Lines: Chicago -1

Game Preview and NBA Lines Analysis

The Bulls (33-20) have a one game lead over the Cavs right now, but that could be reduced if Cleveland can grab a win versus Miami on Wednesday night. Chicago is a team that looks to have rediscovered their mojo after a stretch that saw them lose 6 of 9 games. They have now reeled off three straight wins, with 2 of those coming at the end of a 6-game road trip that they completed with a .500 record. The Bulls arrived home on Tuesday night and proceeded to lay a 104-86 beating on the Sacramento Kings, with Pal Gasol leading the way with a 32-point effort. They will be looking to head into the break on a high, which they can definitely do with a win over Cleveland.

The Cavaliers (32-21) saw a 12-game win streak come to an end with a 103-99 loss to the Pacers over the weekend. That streak, combined with the spotty play of the Bulls of late saw the Central Division lead of the Bulls reduced to 1 game. The Cavs bounced back from that loss with a 120-105 win over the Lakers, but now have back to back games to content with before the All-Star Break arrives. Wednesday night will see them host the Heat, followed by a trip to Chicago on Thursday. Winning back to back is tough, but the Cavaliers know that the division lead can be theirs with the sweep, which is why they will be going all out to get both wins under their belt.

Key Betting Trends

Chicago is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago’s last 5 games Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home Cleveland is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games Cleveland is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland’s last 9 games Cleveland is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home

Consider This Before Placing Your Bet

The Cavaliers won both of the prior meetings with the Bulls this season, with LeBron James leading the way with 62 combined points. It’ll be tough to win back to back, but I think the rich vein of form that the Cavaliers are in right now will be enough to get them past the Bulls in a close one.