Bulls Defeat Cavaliers in High-Scoring Affair
Friday, December 19, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Chicago Bulls 136, Cleveland Cavaliers 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Chicago Bulls beat Cleveland Cavaliers 136-125 at Rocket Arena on December 19, 2025.
Who was favored in Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
The Chicago Bulls secured a significant victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 136-125 at Rocket Arena. This game marked the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with the Bulls now leading the series 3-1. The Bulls' recent form has shown improvement, as they snapped a streak of eight losses in their last ten games, bringing their record to 12-15 overall, while the Cavaliers fell to 15-14.
In the last ten games, the Cavaliers have struggled, posting a record of 3-7 and currently on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 115.8 points scored per game while allowing 118.6 points. Their recent results included a loss to the Bulls just two days prior, where they fell 111-127 in Chicago. The Cavaliers' home record this season stands at 1-4 in their last five home games, reflecting their difficulties on their own court.
On the other hand, the Bulls, despite their overall record of 12-15, managed to secure a win in their last outing against the Cavaliers, showcasing a scoring average of 112.6 points per game over their last ten games, while allowing 120.1 points. They entered this game with a recent victory against the Cavaliers and a slight uptick in performance, winning their last game after a tough stretch.
The Bulls have faced challenges with injuries, with several key players listed as day-to-day. Dailyn Swain, Zach Collins, Josh Giddey, and Rob Dillingham are all dealing with various injuries, which could impact their availability in upcoming games. The Cavaliers, however, did not have any notable injuries reported for this matchup.
The betting odds from DraftKings indicated that the Cavaliers were favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 238.5. The spread reflects the market's expectation of a competitive game, but the Bulls' performance proved otherwise as they outpaced the Cavaliers.
The game conditions were typical for a December night, with no unusual weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with both teams displaying offensive prowess. Key moments in the fourth quarter included Darius Garland's three-pointer and several crucial free throws by Tre Jones, which helped the Bulls maintain their lead as the game drew to a close.
As the game progressed, the Bulls capitalized on their opportunities, particularly in the final moments, with Coby White and Nikola Vucevic contributing significantly to the scoreline. The Cavaliers attempted to mount a comeback, but their efforts fell short as the Bulls secured the win.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two teams, with the Bulls continuing to assert their dominance in this season's series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -4.5 | 238.5 o -105 / u -115 | Chicago Bulls +150 · Cleveland Cavaliers -180 |
Injury report
- Dailyn SwainDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
- Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
- Josh GiddeyDay-To-DayAnkleChicago Bulls
- Rob DillinghamDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
Leaders
- PointsDarius Garland35Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDarius Garland8Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJarrett Allen12Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsNikola Vucevic24Chicago Bulls
- AssistsCoby White9Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsNikola Vucevic15Chicago Bulls
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L2115.8 scored · 118.6 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L111-127at Chicago BullsDec 18
- L111-119vs Charlotte HornetsDec 14
- W130-126at Washington WizardsDec 13
- L94-99vs Golden State WarriorsDec 7
- W130-117vs San Antonio SpursDec 6
- L110-122vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 4
- W135-119at Indiana PacersDec 2
- L115-117vs Boston CelticsNov 30
- L123-130at Atlanta HawksNov 29
- L99-110at Toronto RaptorsNov 25
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 2-8Streak W1112.6 scored · 120.1 allowed per game1-4 away
- W127-111vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 18
- L104-114vs New Orleans PelicansDec 15
- W129-126at Charlotte HornetsDec 13
- L91-123vs Golden State WarriorsDec 8
- L105-120vs Indiana PacersDec 6
- L103-113vs Brooklyn NetsDec 4
- L120-125at Orlando MagicDec 2
- L101-103at Indiana PacersNov 30
- L116-123at Charlotte HornetsNov 29
- L130-143at New Orleans PelicansNov 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Chicago Bulls | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 53-102 | 48-101 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 18-47 | 14-39 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 36 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 15-19 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 35 | 33 |
| Assists | 34 | 31 |
| Steals | 12 | 10 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 58 | 62 |
| Fouls | 14 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 69 | 25 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter96-91Nikola Vucevic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kevin Huerter assists)
- 3rd Quarter96-94Tyrese Proctor makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 3rd Quarter99-94Ayo Dosunmu makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nikola Vucevic assists)
- 3rd Quarter99-95Thomas Bryant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter99-96Thomas Bryant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter101-96Jalen Smith makes 1-foot dunk (Tre Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter101-99Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter103-99Matas Buzelis makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter105-99Nikola Vucevic makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Coby White assists)
- 4th Quarter105-101Jaylon Tyson makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter108-101Ayo Dosunmu makes 24-foot three pointer (Coby White assists)
- 4th Quarter108-103Thomas Bryant makes 1-foot dunk (Nae'Qwan Tomlin assists)
- 4th Quarter108-105Jaylon Tyson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-105Nikola Vucevic makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-106Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-108Tyrese Proctor makes 22-foot step back jumpshot (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter110-109Jarrett Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-110Jarrett Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-110Matas Buzelis makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter115-110Kevin Huerter makes 23-foot three point jumper (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter115-112Darius Garland makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter115-115Darius Garland makes 33-foot three point jumper (Nae'Qwan Tomlin assists)
- 4th Quarter117-115Nikola Vucevic makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter119-115Zach Collins makes layup (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter119-117Jarrett Allen makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter122-117Nikola Vucevic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter122-119De'Andre Hunter makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter124-119Coby White makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter124-120Lonzo Ball makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-120Matas Buzelis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter126-120Matas Buzelis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-120Tre Jones makes running layup
- 4th Quarter128-123Darius Garland makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter130-123Coby White makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter132-123Nikola Vucevic makes 13-foot jump bank shot (Coby White assists)
- 4th Quarter133-123Tre Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter134-123Tre Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter134-125Darius Garland makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter135-125Tre Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter136-125Tre Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Chicago Bulls.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsPhenizee Ransom, Tre Maddox, Ray Acosta
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