Play on Game #703 Chicago Bulls +4.5 (7:05 PM EST)
I like the Bulls with the points in this Game 1 matchup. For the Cavs, Kevin Love and JR Smith are out for this game and I think that this is huge for them. I also think the Cavs might be a bit rusty after not playing in 8 days. Smith and Love were combining for 24 ppg/ 10 rpg. Love in my opinion was the Cavs best three point shooter and Smith is a guy that can be instant offense. Shumpert is not known as much for his offense and I think the defensive minded Bulls will be able to make some stops and I think they have a good chance of stealing this game here. The Bulls are as healthy as they have been all year. D. Rose is looking good and he is well rested.
I'm not going to go in-depth on this pick. I think the loss of Love and Smith and the fact that the Cavs haven't played in 8 days is enough for us to take the underdog in this game. The underdog is 4-1 ATS the last 5 meetings and the Bulls are 12-4 ATS their last 16 meetings vs. the Cavs. Take the Bulls.