Venue and Game Details
The Brooklyn Nets (12-27) face the Chicago Bulls (19-22) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This 21,000-seat arena, opened in 1994 and home to the Bulls since then, features a statue of Michael Jordan outside and has hosted numerous NBA Finals.
Tip-off is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT).
The game will air on YES (Nets broadcast) and CHSN (Bulls broadcast), with live streaming available on NBA League Pass.
This is the second half of a home-and-home series, following Brooklyn’s 112-109 victory over Chicago on January 16 at Barclays Center.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter off a quick turnaround from their January 16 matchup, where Brooklyn held off a late Chicago rally for a 112-109 win despite trailing early.
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Here’s a breakdown of their last 10 games (most recent first):
Brooklyn Nets (2-8 in last 10, 1-4 in last 5):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 16 | vs. CHI | W | 112-109 |
| Jan 14 | @ NOP | L | 113-116 |
| Jan 11 | @ DAL | L | 105-113 |
| Jan 10 | @ MEM | L | 98-103 |
| Jan 7 | vs. LAC | L | 105-121 |
| Jan 5 | vs. ORL | L | 103-104 (OT) |
| Jan 4 | vs. DEN | W | 127-115 |
| Jan 2 | @ WAS | L | 99-119 |
| Jan 1 | vs. HOU | L | 96-120 |
| Dec 29 | vs. GSW | L | 107-120 |
The Nets have averaged just 106.5 PPG in their last 10, with poor shooting (44.7% FG) and high turnovers (13.5 per game), but they’ve shown grit in close wins like against Chicago (forcing 8 turnovers).
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Cam Thomas has been a standout, averaging 26.8 PPG recently, while Nic Claxton anchors the defense (8.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG).
Chicago Bulls (4-6 in last 10, 3-2 in last 5):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 16 | @ BKN | L | 109-112 |
| Jan 14 | vs. UTA | W | 128-126 |
| Jan 13 | @ HOU | L | 113-119 |
| Jan 10 | vs. DAL | W | 125-107 |
| Jan 8 | @ MIA | L | 98-105 |
| Jan 6 | vs. CHA | W | 115-102 |
| Jan 4 | @ ATL | L | 110-118 |
| Jan 3 | vs. IND | L | 105-112 |
| Jan 1 | @ CLE | L | 101-114 |
| Dec 30 | vs. WAS | W | 120-108 |
The Bulls have averaged 112.4 PPG in their last 10 but allowed 116.7 PPG, highlighting defensive woes (opponents shooting 48.6% FG).
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Nikola Vucevic leads with 18.7 PPG and 10.5 RPG, while Matas Buzelis adds energy (12.4 PPG recently).
Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets:
Tyson Etienne (G): Out (G League – Two-Way).
Haywood Highsmith (F): Out (right knee surgery) – Re-evaluated in February.
Chaney Johnson (G): Out (G League – Two-Way).
E.J. Liddell (F): Out (G League – Two-Way).
Michael Porter Jr. (F): Out (rest) – Day-to-day management.
Drake Powell (G): Out (left knee injury recovery) – Expected return mid-February.
Ben Saraf (G): Out (G League – On Assignment).
Ziaire Williams (F): Out (illness/conditioning) – Expected return January 19.
The Nets’ depth is hit hard, especially in the frontcourt, forcing reliance on Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton.
Chicago Bulls:
Zach Collins (F/C): Out (right toe sprain) – Out until after All-Star break (Feb. 13).
Noa Essengue (F): Out (left shoulder surgery) – Out for season.
Josh Giddey (G): Doubtful (left hamstring strain) – Ramping up, possible return soon.
Yuki Kawamura (G): Out (G League – Two-Way).
Emanuel Miller (G): Out (G League – Two-Way).
Patrick Williams (F): Questionable (right ankle sprain) – Day-to-day.
Chicago’s backcourt is thinned without Giddey, putting pressure on Coby White (18.2 PPG) and Nikola Vucevic.
Key Player Matchups
This Eastern Conference clash pits Brooklyn’s struggling offense against Chicago’s porous defense, with rebounding (Bulls 45.6 RPG vs. Nets 40.2 RPG) likely key on a neutral floor feel due to injuries.
Cam Thomas (BKN) vs. Coby White (CHI): Thomas (24.1 PPG, 41% 3PT in Jan) brings scoring flair; White (18.2 PPG) must contain him without Giddey.
Nic Claxton (BKN) vs. Nikola Vucevic (CHI): Claxton (11.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG) dominates the paint; Vucevic (18.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG) could exploit Brooklyn’s thin frontcourt.
Terance Mann (BKN) vs. Matas Buzelis (CHI): Mann (12.3 PPG) provides versatility; Buzelis (12.4 PPG recently) adds athleticism in transition.
Day’Ron Sharpe (BKN) vs. Patrick Williams (CHI, if available): Sharpe (9.6 RPG) battles for boards; Williams (GTD, 10.8 PPG) could stretch the floor.
Series History
The Bulls lead the all-time regular-season series 101-89 over the Nets (including New Jersey era).
In 200 total meetings (including playoffs), Chicago holds a 108-92 edge.
Over the last 10 games, it’s split 5-5, but Brooklyn has won 6 of the last 8, including the January 16 thriller (112-109) and a 113-103 win on December 3, 2025.
Chicago’s longest streak was 12 wins (1993-1998), while Brooklyn’s was 7 (2012-2014).
Betting Trends
Spread (ATS): Nets 19-20 overall (11-12 as 6+ point underdogs); Bulls 19-21-1 (10-10-1 as favorites).
Nets are 6-2 ATS in last 8 vs. Bulls.
Over/Under: Nets games 15-24 to the over (avg. line -3.9); Bulls 19-22 (avg. +3.9).
Last matchup went under 225.5 (221 points); under in 14 of last 18 H2H.
Moneyline: Nets 10-27 as underdogs (27% win rate); Bulls 12-9 as favorites.
Game Odds
Brooklyn Nets 222.5
Chicago Bulls – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 17, 2026
