Tip-off 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
TV: CHSN / CHSN App, MNMT2, Monumental+
Both teams enter at 1-1 after two games. This is Chicago’s home opener and the start of Washington’s first road trip (three games).
Injury Reports
Wizards:
AJ Dybantsa (F, left ankle sprain) – Out (listed day-to-day/out in latest reports; missed the first two games).
Tristan Vukcevic (F, hip) – Out.
Jamir Watkins (F, ACL) – Out for season.
Bulls:
Nic Claxton (C, left hamstring strain) – Out (expected multi-week absence).
Noa Essengue (F, right head contusion) – Probable.
Current Rosters & Projected Starters
Washington Wizards key roster (2026-27): Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Deandre Ayton, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Khris Middleton, Justin Champagnie, Will Riley, Tre Mann, Anthony Gill, Felix Okpara (and others). Projected starters (based on recent games and depth charts):
Trae Young (PG), Kyshawn George / Bilal Coulibaly (wings), Anthony Davis (PF/C), Alex Sarr (C). Coulibaly has started the first two games with Dybantsa sidelined.
Chicago Bulls key roster (2026-27): Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Jalen Smith, Tre Jones, Buddy Hield, Isaac Okoro, Leonard Miller, Zach Collins, Patrick Williams, Noa Essengue, and others (Claxton out). Projected starters (consistent through first two games):
Josh Giddey (PG), Norman Powell (SG), Matas Buzelis (SF), Caleb Wilson (PF), Jalen Smith (C).
Recent Team Forms
Wizards (1-1):
Oct. 21: W 128-116 vs. Milwaukee – Anthony Davis debuted with 34 points and 12 rebounds.
Oct. 23: L 102-112 vs. Toronto – High turnovers (23); Davis quiet (9 points); Trae Young 22 points/12 assists; Tre Johnson 20 off the bench.
Bulls (1-1):
Oct. 21: L 92-135 at Toronto – Blowout loss; Wilson inefficient.
Oct. 23: W 132-125 at Milwaukee – Strong response. Norman Powell 25 points, Caleb Wilson 21 points/6 rebounds, Jalen Smith 14/13, Leonard Miller 19 off the bench. Four double-digit scorers from the bench.
Both teams are playing their third game in four nights / second of a back-to-back stretch.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Anthony Davis vs. Jalen Smith / Caleb Wilson frontcourt: Davis (21.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG early) against a Bulls frontcourt missing Claxton. Smith has been productive rebounding (10.5 RPG); rookie Wilson provides length and athleticism.
Trae Young vs. Josh Giddey: Elite playmaking battle. Young averaging 12.5 APG; Giddey 7.5 APG. Both facilitate high-pace offenses.
Norman Powell vs. Wizards wings (George/Coulibaly): Powell (20 PPG) is Chicago’s primary scoring threat off the catch or isolation.
Rookie impact – Caleb Wilson (Bulls) and depth pieces: Wilson bounced back with 21 points Friday; watch his activity on both ends against Washington’s size.
Bench battles: Bulls’ Miller and Hield vs. Wizards’ Tre Johnson, Ayton, Middleton, and Carrington.
Series History
Chicago has dominated recent meetings. In the last 10 games (through 2025-26), Bulls hold an 8-2 edge. Most recent: Bulls won 119-108 and 129-98 in April 2026 in Washington. Earlier games also favored Chicago, with under trends common in the series.
Betting Trends
Bulls strong historically in this matchup; series has leaned under. Both teams are 1-1 ATS early. High totals reflect pace and offensive talent (Young, Powell, Davis, etc.), but back-to-backs and defensive adjustments after high-turnover games could suppress scoring.
Game Odds
Washington Wizards 243
Chicago Bulls – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, October 23, 2026
