Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET
United Center, Chicago, Illinois
TV: KUNP (Portland) / CHSN+ (Chicago)
Recent Team Forms (Last 10 Games Approximate)
Trail Blazers: Mixed but showing resilience. Recent results include a solid 92-77 road win over the Suns (Feb 22) and a close 121-124 loss to Minnesota (Feb 24). They have been competitive in many games, leaning on defense and rebounding. Averaging around 110-115 PPG recently with improved paint presence. Bulls: Struggling heavily — on a 10-game losing streak (0-10 in February per trends). They were blown out 99-131 by Charlotte on Feb 24, allowing 42 points in the third quarter alone. Offense has been inconsistent, defense porous, and morale low as they approach matching a franchise-worst streak.
Injury Report
Portland Trail Blazers
- Deni Avdija (SF) – Questionable / Out (back; missed recent games, 12 of last 20)
- Robert Williams III (C) – Questionable (right foot soreness)
- Shaedon Sharpe (SG) – Out (calf/fibula; out extended, more than a month)
- Damian Lillard (PG) – Out for season (Achilles)
Chicago Bulls (heavily impacted)
- Jaden Ivey (SG) – Out (left knee)
- Anfernee Simons (SG) – Out (fractured left wrist)
- Zach Collins (PF) – Out for season (right toe surgery)
- Noa Essengue (PF) – Out for season (shoulder)
- Patrick Williams (F) – Doubtful (quadriceps)
- Jalen Smith (C) – Doubtful (calf)
Chicago’s backcourt and frontcourt depth are severely tested, limiting spacing and rim protection. Portland missing key pieces but retains more core rotation health.
Projected Starters & Key Player Matchups
Trail Blazers (Projected)
- G: (backcourt adjustments without Lillard/Sharpe)
- G/F: Jerami Grant or wing usage
- F: Donovan Clingan (C – breakout: 23 PTS/13 REB in recent win)
- Bigs: Robert Williams III (if active) or frontcourt depth
Bulls (Projected, makeshift)
- G: Limited options without Simons/Ivey
- Wings/F: Matas Buzelis or available pieces
- C: Thin interior without Collins/Smith (if out)
Key Matchups
- Donovan Clingan (POR – rebounding/blocks) vs. Bulls depleted frontcourt: Portland’s young center dominates the glass and rim protection against Chicago’s injury-hit interior.
- Trail Blazers perimeter scoring vs. Bulls backcourt absences: Without Simons/Ivey, Chicago struggles to guard pull-ups and transition; Portland exploits mismatches.
- Bulls home desperation vs. Portland road motivation: Chicago aims to snap a massive skid at home, but Portland’s recent defensive efforts and Clingan’s interior presence give them an edge in paint scoring/rebounding.
Series History
The teams met earlier this season on Nov (date approximate), with the Bulls winning 122-121 in Portland — a close, high-scoring affair. No other 2025-26 meetings noted. Historically competitive, but Portland has trended well against struggling teams lately.
Betting Trends
- Trail Blazers: Solid ATS as road favorites in spots; covered in recent wins (e.g., vs. Suns). Games trend moderate totals.
- Bulls: Poor ATS during skid (1-4 ATS recently); 0-10 SU in February, struggling to cover at home amid losses. Home underdogs have value in desperation spots but trend poorly.
- Head-to-head: Bulls won prior meeting but context has shifted dramatically with injuries and streaks.
- Over/Under: Recent Bulls games have varied, but Portland games lean manageable; total hits around 50% recently for both.
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers – 4.5
Chicago Bulls 234.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026
