NBA Betting: Bulls vs Cavaliers Predictions
The 2015 NBA Basketball Playoffs have reached the 2nd round. A pair of NBA Central Division opponents meet up as the Derrick Rose and the Bulls take on Lebron James and the Cavaliers.
NBA Basketball Odds
Bulls vs. Cavaliers Odds To Win 7 Game Series: NBA First Round Series Prices Best of Seven 2-2-1-1-1
773 CHICAGO BULLS SERIES +185
774 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS SERIES -225NBA Picks
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Today’s NBA Matchups
NBA Standings
***2015 NBA BONUSES***NBA Series Schedule:
GM 1: CHI vs. CLE, May 4, 7:00 PM ET TNT | GM 2: CHI vs. CLE,, May 6, 7:00 PM ET TNT | GM 3: CLE vs. CHI, May 8, 8:00 PM ET ESPN | GM 4: CLE vs. CHI, May 10, 3:30 PM ET ABC | GM 5: CHI vs. CLE, May 12 TNT | If Needed GM 6: CLE vs. CHI, May 14 ESPN | If Needed GM 7: CHI vs. CLE May 17 TNT | If Needed
The Cavaliers seemed to be on a roll that nobody could stop. However, their series clinching win against Boston came with a high price. Not only is Kevin Love going to miss the entire series, but J.R. Smith, who has become a vital part of this team, will miss 2 games for an intentional hit to the face.
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Derrick Rose and company will face a slimmed down Cavaliers roster as they look to pull off the 2nd round upset.
(3) Chicago Bulls vs. (2) Cleveland Cavaliers
Two teams that are very familiar with each other meet up in the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs. Chicago needed 6 games to take out the Milwaukee Bucks, but made a statement in Game 6 winning by 54 points. Cleveland had no problem taking out the Celtics, but will be without 2 key players, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith. The absence of those 2 will now shift even more pressure to not only Lebron and Kyrie, but also Iman Shumpert.
Iman Shumpert was acquired with Smith for defensive purposes. Now, he’ll need to step up his scoring against a tough defensive Bulls team. Shumpert scored 15 points, including 8 from the free throw line, and will need to repeat that kind of performance at least for the next couple games.
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The biggest difference between the 2 teams will be the health issues. While the Cavs obviously have their problems, the Bulls got Noah and Mirotic both healthy and close to 100%. Mirotic will likely have Shumpert on him now with Love out, so that will give Chicago a giant advantage.
In terms of big men, Noah vs Mozgov will be as entertaining as they come. Bulls C Joakim Noah recorded double-doubles in Games 5 and 6 and will need to do even more on the defensive end this series. Timofey Mozgov was a dominating presence in the paint against the Celtics, but his task will be much tougher with Noah and Gasol to deal with.
The obvious matchup to watch will be Derrick Rose vs. Kyrie Irving. Two of the most dominating point guards in the league will have the tough task of guarding each other. If Irving can shutdown Rose and force the likes of Jimmy Butler or Mirotic to beat the Cavs, that will spell success for them. If Rose starts taking over, the pressure will be on and likely will fold the Cavs.
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In 4 regular season match ups, Cleveland took 3 of them. The most recent one was the only one the Bulls won, as it came just before the all star break. Cleveland was battling a lot of injuries at the time though.
Series Pick: Cleveland in 7
This is going to be fun. With Love and Smith out, Chicago has a very good chance at stealing one of the first two games. If they can, the pressure will be on Cleveland for Games 3 and 4. However, if Cleveland can hold to form and keep home court advantage, the return of Smith in Game 3 will be crucial.
Expect every game to be close and back and forth throughout. It wouldn’t be surprising to see both teams take a road game here, but in the end Lebron James and Kyrie Irving are just too good.
Cleveland wins this thrilling series and moves on to the Conference Finals.
Check out our Updated NBA Betting Odds.
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