Bulls Defeat Cavaliers 127-111 at United Center
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · United Center
Chicago Bulls 127, Cleveland Cavaliers 111, 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 Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls?
Chicago Bulls beat Cleveland Cavaliers 127-111 at United Center on December 17, 2025.
Who was favored in Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -218 (about 69% implied). The underdog won.
The Chicago Bulls secured a decisive victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a final score of 127-111 at the United Center. This win marks a crucial moment for the Bulls, who have struggled recently, holding a home record of 11-15 and an overall record of 11-15. The victory ties the season series between the two teams at 1-1.
In their last ten games, the Bulls had a record of 2-8, with an average of 112.0 points scored and 121.0 points allowed per game. Their recent form included a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans just days prior, where they fell 104-114. The Bulls have faced challenges at home, with a home record of 1-4 in their last five games, averaging just 106.4 points while allowing 119.2.
On the other hand, the Cavaliers entered the game with a better record of 15-13, but their recent form was also concerning, as they had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, averaging 116.7 points scored and 116.4 points allowed. They had also lost their previous game against the Charlotte Hornets, 111-119.
The Bulls' success in this game can be attributed to their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key plays included a 27-foot three-pointer from Josh Giddey, which helped solidify their lead. Other notable scoring plays included a two-point shot by Nikola Vucevic and three-pointers from Kevin Huerter and De'Andre Hunter.
In terms of injuries, the Bulls had several players listed as day-to-day, including Dailyn Swain (wrist), Zach Collins (toe), Josh Giddey (ankle), and Rob Dillingham (wrist). This injury situation could have impacted their performance, but they managed to pull together a strong showing against the Cavaliers.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 5.5 points with a total set at 242.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Bulls' performance exceeded expectations, particularly given their recent struggles.
The conditions at the United Center were favorable for the Bulls, who typically enjoy a home-court advantage. The atmosphere was charged as they aimed to break a losing streak and gain momentum in the season.
Viewers should have noted the intensity of the rivalry, as this matchup has historically favored the Cavaliers, with the Bulls having lost their last five meetings against them prior to this game. The previous encounters included a 122-128 loss on November 9, 2025, and a 113-135 defeat on April 8, 2025.
Overall, this game showcased the resilience of the Bulls, who managed to overcome their recent form and secure a vital win against a competitive Cavaliers team.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -5.5 | 242.5 o -112 / u -108 | Cleveland Cavaliers -218 · Chicago Bulls +180 |
Injury report
- Dailyn SwainDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
- Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
- Josh GiddeyDay-To-DayAnkleChicago Bulls
- Rob DillinghamDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
Leaders
- PointsCoby White25Chicago Bulls
- AssistsJosh Giddey11Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsJosh Giddey11Chicago Bulls
- PointsDonovan Mitchell32Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDarius Garland6Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsLonzo Ball7Cleveland Cavaliers
Recent form
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 2-8Streak L1112 scored · 121 allowed per game1-4 at home
- 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
- W121-120vs Washington WizardsNov 23
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L1116.7 scored · 116.4 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W120-105vs LA ClippersNov 23
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 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 42-87 | 50-89 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 12-39 | 14-36 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 39 |
| Free throws | 15-18 | 13-18 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 37 |
| Assists | 26 | 35 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 25 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 68 |
| Fouls | 16 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 29 | 61 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter75-88Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-89Zach Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-89Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter77-89Donovan Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-89Lonzo Ball makes running layup (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-89De'Andre Hunter makes running dunk (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-89Thomas Bryant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-89Thomas Bryant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-91Tre Jones makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter83-93Coby White makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter86-93Donovan Mitchell makes 22-foot three point jumper (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-93Thomas Bryant makes 1-foot dunk (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-94Coby White makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-95Coby White makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-98Josh Giddey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter90-98Donovan Mitchell makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter90-100Nikola Vucevic makes 8-foot floating jump shot (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter92-100Donovan Mitchell makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-102Tre Jones makes driving layup (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter92-104Nikola Vucevic makes running layup (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter95-104Donovan Mitchell makes 28-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter95-106Matas Buzelis makes layup (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter97-106Donovan Mitchell makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter97-109Nikola Vucevic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter98-109Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-111Nikola Vucevic makes 4-foot two point shot (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter100-111Jaylon Tyson makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter100-113Nikola Vucevic makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter100-115Josh Giddey makes running layup (Kevin Huerter assists)
- 4th Quarter100-116Coby White makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-117Coby White makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-117Jarrett Allen makes 2-foot floating jump shot (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter102-119Nikola Vucevic makes 7-foot two point shot (Tre Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter102-121Tre Jones makes running layup (Isaac Okoro assists)
- 4th Quarter105-121De'Andre Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylon Tyson assists)
- 4th Quarter105-124Kevin Huerter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Coby White assists)
- 4th Quarter107-124Jaylon Tyson makes driving layup (Craig Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter110-124Thomas Bryant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nae'Qwan Tomlin assists)
- 4th Quarter110-127Josh Giddey makes 27-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter111-127Nae'Qwan Tomlin makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Bulls, below favours Cleveland Cavaliers.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance18872
- OfficialsTyler Ford, John Butler, Biniam Maru
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