Cavaliers vs. Bulls prediction: NBA Friday picks, odds, best bets

· New York Post

Sometimes oddsmakers are lazy and stubborn. 

Numerous ones have often made that comment in a playful way, but it does have some merit. That can create betting value in certain situations, which I believe we have Friday.

The Cavaliers host the Bulls as 6.5-point favorites with a total of 240 points.

They just met Wednesday in Chicago with the Bulls dominating, 127-111, as 4.5-point underdogs. Since the NBA adopted these home-and-home situations, there are no betting trends that are truly actionable.

However, I think Cleveland’s recent injuries leave the bench limited. Those reserves will log minutes in the second quarter, and that will clog the pace and Cleveland’s scoring ability. In their Wednesday meeting, they combined for just 53 points in the second quarter.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, left, talks to guard Josh Giddey (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Chicago. AP

Betting on the NBA?

Oddsmakers do not adjust odds according to substitution patterns. They simply make each quarter’s total commensurate with the full game Over/Under. That is why I believe there is betting value in this specific matchup.

I have an 81-71-2 ATS record in this Post sports section, pending a play on Thursday. My next pick is the Cavaliers-Bulls second quarter Under 58.5 points (-110, FanDuel Sportsbook).

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He’s also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.