Great news hoops fans! After a one-week hiatus, the NBA returns with a bang tonight with the league serving up a couple of intriguing matchups. Kicking things off this evening is the much-anticipated clash between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following shortly thereafter is the Western Conference showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two important matchups and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the game between the Utah Jazz and the Washington Wizards.
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Chicago Bulls (+11.5) at Cleveland Cavaliers (-11.5); total: 207.0 – view all NBA lines
What in the world is happening to Chicago? The Bulls dropped four straight prior to the All-Star break and 13 of their last 18 games to fall into seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a precarious 27-25 record. Things are bound to get tougher for the struggling Bulls as standing in their way tonight are the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs closed out the first half with three impressive wins, beating their Western Conference opponents by an average of 14 points. Kyrie Irving was sensational for Cleveland during that stretch, averaging 32 points on 59.1 percent shooting. That being said, the Bulls will still fancy their chances against the Cavs tonight as they have fared extremely well against them of late. The Bulls are 2-0 against the Cavs this season.
The Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games against the Cavs.
Writer’s Prediction
Cleveland wins but Chicago covers.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 PM ET)
Line: San Antonio Spurs (-3.5) at Los Angeles Clippers (+3.5); total: 205.5 – view all NBA lines
The San Antonio Spurs headed into the All-Star break with their six-game winning streak intact after beating the Orlando Magic in dramatic fashion last Wednesday. Kawhi Leonard drained a tough jumper from the top of the key with 0.9 left to play to lead the Spurs to a nerve-wracking 98-96 victory.
They will look to keep the streak going when they lock horns with the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. For the Spurs to accomplish that feat, they will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end. The five-time NBA champions are allowing just 91.8 points per game this season, the fewest in the NBA this campaign. The Spurs won their first meeting with the Clips this season, 115-107.
The Spurs are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 road games against the Clippers.
