NBA picks: Cavaliers vs. Bulls prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for Saturday, Dec. 23

Central division rivals will meet Saturday when the Cleveland Cavaliers (16-13) visit the Chicago Bulls (13-17). The Cavaliers saw a three-game winning streak end at the hands of the Pelicans, while the Bulls have ripped off three wins in a row as they attempt to climb back into the playoff picture. This is the first meeting between these teams this season.

Darius Garland and Evan Mobley remain sidelined with long-term injuries for Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell is also out with an illness. The Bulls remain without Zach LaVine as he recovers from a long-term foot injury.

The Bulls are 4.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total coming in at 216. Chicago is -185 on the moneyline while Cleveland is priced at +154.

Cavaliers vs. Bulls, 8 p.m. ET

Pick ATS: Bulls -4.5

After a rough start to the season, the Bulls have caught fire lately. They have covered in their last five games, and 10 of their last 11. Chicago has actually done well since LaVine’s injury, which has added fuel to trade rumors surrounding the guard. The Cavaliers had covered in three straight prior to the loss against New Orleans.

With Cleveland down three starters, it’s hard to pick against the Bulls given their current form. Take Chicago to win and cover at home.

Over/Under: Over 216

The Bulls rank 14th in scoring at 117.7 points per game over the last 10 contests, while the Cavaliers aren’t too far behind at 114.6 points per game in the same stretch. Even with Cleveland being down three starters, the Bulls have been hitting overs regularly during this resurgence. Chicago is 6-2 on overs in the last eight games, and has enough offensive firepower to singlehandedly carry this game over 216.