Donovan Mitchell is primed for a big night against a Chicago defense that ranks second-worst in the league
Nikola Vucevic has a clear path to control the boards against a Cavaliers frontcourt depleted by injuries
See the top Cavaliers vs Bulls player props to bet on Wednesday, Dec 17
The Cleveland Cavaliers (15-12, 6-5 away, 8-19 ATS, 12-15 O/U) travel to take on the Chicago Bulls (10-15, 6-6 home, 11-14 ATS, 12-13 O/U) at the United Center on Wednesday at 8:00 pm ET, with CHSN broadcasting locally in Chicago and FDSOH covering Cleveland.
Cleveland enters as a sizable 5.5-point road favorite in Wednesday’s NBA odds. The individual matchups in this contest provide fertile ground for player-prop bettors, with Donovan Mitchell’s scoring prowess headlining a slate filled with value opportunities.
In the table below, I have set out the main Cavaliers vs Bulls player props for both starting lineups. Under the table, find my two favorite Bulls/Cavaliers prop picks and the final injury reports.
Cavaliers vs Bulls Player-Prop Odds
| Cavaliers | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Made Threes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | 29.5 (-108/-121) | 4.5 (-103/-129) | 5.5 (-110/-119) | 3.5 (-134/+101) |
| Darius Garland | 20.5 (-118/-111) | 2.5 (-123/-107) | 6.5 (+106/-141) | 2.5 (-100/-133) |
| Jarrett Allen | 13.5 (-124/-106) | 8.5 (+104/-137) | 1.5 (-186/+138) | N/A |
| Isaac Okoro | 7.5 (-110/-119) | 2.5 (+107/-141) | 0.5 (-238/+170) | 0.5 (-227/+165) |
| Dean Wade | 6.5 (-129/-104) | 4.5 (-118/-112) | 1.5 (-175/+130) | 1.5 (+100/-133) |
| Bulls | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Made Threes |
| Josh Giddey | 19.5 (-109/-120) | 7.5 (-145/+111) | 8.5 (-112/-118) | 1.5 (-132/-101) |
| Coby White | 21.5 (-124/-106) | 3.5 (+107/-140) | 4.5 (+124/-166) | 2.5 (-101/-132) |
| Nikola Vucevic | 14.5 (-114/-115) | 7.5 (-156/+116) | 3.5 (-166/+125) | 1.5 (-104/-126) |
| Ayo Dosunmu | 10.5 (-124/-107) | 2.5 (-150/+112) | 2.5 (-110/-118) | 1.5 (+123/-163) |
| Matas Buzelis | 12.5 (-103/-127) | 4.5 (-139/+105) | 1.5 (-135/+102) | 1.5 (+148/-199) |
NBA props and odds in the table above represent the consensus among sportsbooks at 2:21 pm ET.
Market Movement
Donovan Mitchell Points (29.5): The consensus line settled at 29.5 after opening higher at 30.5 BetMGM and William Hill. The downward movement suggests sharp money recognizing value on the under.
Darius Garland Assists (6.5): This line has varied across sportsbooks since opening, but heavy juice on the under (-141) indicates market sentiment leaning toward Chicago’s ability to limit his playmaking opportunities through pressure defense.
Nikola Vucevic Rebounds (7.5): The most significant market indicator comes here, with consensus odds heavily juiced to the over at -156, a dramatic shift from DraftKings’ opening price of +104. This movement reflects sharp recognition of Cleveland’s depleted frontcourt situation.
Josh Giddey PRA (36.5): Initially 35.5 on select books, this line has climbed to 36.5. Odds remain balanced at -115 both ways, suggesting this adjustment created a sharp line with no clear market favorite.
Cavaliers vs Bulls Best Player Prop Predictions
After analyzing matchup advantages, injury impacts, and market inefficiencies, two standout opportunities emerge that offer statistical edges backed by concrete trends.
Prop Pick #1: Jarrett Allen Over 8.5 Rebounds (-119) at DraftKings
Jarrett Allen over 8.5 rebounds offers significant value with Evan Mobley sidelined. Mobley’s absence positions Allen as the Cavaliers’ primary interior presence, directly increasing his rebounding responsibilities and opportunities on both ends of the floor. As the lone interior anchor, Allen is expected to shoulder a heavier load in securing missed shots, a role amplified by the team’s depleted frontcourt depth.
The statistics back this up. Over the last two seasons, Jarrett Allen averages:
9.7 RPG without Evan Mobley (13 games)
9.3 RPG with Evan Mobley (85 games)
This increased responsibility for Allen aligns favorably with the Chicago Bulls’ defensive vulnerabilities on the glass. The Bulls concede an average of 12.1 offensive rebounds per game, ranking them T24th in the league. Against a team that frequently allows extra possessions, Allen, in his expanded role, is a great bet to hit nine or more boards.
Prop Pick #2: Nikola Vucevic Over 7.5 Rebounds (-148) at FanDuel
Despite the heavy juice, the underlying situational advantages make this prop mathematically sound. Vucevic’s rebounding production at United Center has been consistent, averaging 9.6 RPG at home this season, more than two full rebounds higher than his prop total tonight.
With Cleveland missing two interior bodies (Mobley and Nance Jr), who average nearly 12 RPG combined, Vucevic should have a few more opportunities than usual at both ends of the court.
Cavaliers vs Bulls Injury Reports
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Situation
Evan Mobley (C): OUT (Calf) – Expected absence of 2-4 weeks
Larry Nance Jr (F-C): OUT (Calf) – Projected 3-4 week recovery
Max Strus (G-F): OUT (Foot)
Sam Merrill (G): OUT (Hand)
The Cavaliers face severe frontcourt depletion with multiple key contributors sidelined:
The simultaneous absence of Mobley and Nance Jr creates a massive void in Cleveland’s frontcourt. Mobley’s 9.3 rebounds per game and elite defensive versatility, combined with Nance’s 2.8 boards and energy off the bench, places enormous responsibility on Jarrett Allen as the lone reliable big man.
Chicago Bulls Injury Update
Ayo Dosunmu (G): OUT (Thumb) – Confirmed unavailable Wednesday
Noa Essengue (F): OUT (Shoulder) – Season-ending injury
Chicago’s backcourt depth takes a hit with key absences. Dosunmu’s absence, despite appearing in some initial prop markets, has been officially confirmed. This development consolidates ball-handling duties between Josh Giddey and Coby White, potentially increasing both players’ usage rates and prop value, particularly in scoring and assist categories.
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