NBA Game Preview: Golden State Warriors (12-12) vs. Chicago Bulls (9-13)

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The Golden State Warriors (12-12) look to build on a gritty road win over Cleveland when they face the slumping Chicago Bulls (9-13) on Sunday, December 7, 2025. With Stephen Curry sidelined by injury, the Warriors have leaned on depth and defense to snap a two-game skid, but they’ll need more of the same against a desperate Bulls squad desperate to end a six-game losing streak. This Central-Pacific matchup at the United Center—the Bulls’ fortress despite their home struggles—marks the first meeting of the season between these franchises. Expect a battle of attrition, with Golden State’s perimeter shooting clashing against Chicago’s paint presence, in a game that could hinge on bench production and free-throw accuracy.

Game Details

Tipoff: 7:00 p.m. ET (tip-off).

Venue: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612. The 20,917-seat arena, home to the Bulls since 1995, has seen its share of drama, though Chicago’s 4-7 home record this season tempers expectations. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Broadcast: NBCS-BA (Warriors local), CHSN (Bulls local), and NBA League Pass for out-of-market viewers. Radio on 95.7 The Game (Warriors) and WSCR 670 AM (Bulls).

Officials: To be announced (TBA per NBA protocol).

This evening showdown slots into a marquee NBA Sunday, pitting two teams in playoff flux against each other.

Injury Report

Injuries are mounting for both sides, with the Warriors’ star guard out and the Bulls’ backcourt in flux. Here’s the latest from the NBA’s official injury report (updated December 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m. ET):

TeamPlayerPositionStatusInjury/DetailsEstimated Return
WarriorsStephen CurryPGOutRight quadriceps contusionDecember 10
WarriorsJimmy Butler IIISGQuestionableLeft knee sorenessDecember 7
WarriorsDraymond GreenPFQuestionableRight foot irritationDecember 7
WarriorsAl HorfordCOutRight sciatic nerve irritationDecember 12
WarriorsAlex TooheySFOutLeft knee injury managementDecember 9
BullsAyo DosunmuSGOutRight thumb sprainDecember 10
BullsCoby WhiteSGProbableLeft calf strain (minutes limit)December 7
BullsZach CollinsPFProbableLeft scaphoid fracture (minutes limit)December 7
BullsTre JonesPGDoubtfulRight ankle sprainDecember 7

Golden State’s Curry absence (28.4 PPG) forces Brandin Podziemski into the point role, where he’s averaged 18.2 PPG lately. Butler’s questionable tag (20.1 PPG) adds uncertainty to their wing scoring. For Chicago, Dosunmu’s out (14.5 PPG, 3.8 APG), but White’s return (22 PTS Friday) and Collins’ debut provide sparks—both on restrictions. The Bulls’ depth is tested without Jones.

Key Player Matchups

Curry’s absence shifts focus to secondary creators and frontcourt battles. Here’s a breakdown of five key duels, emphasizing two-way play and efficiency:

Brandin Podziemski (Warriors SG) vs. Josh Giddey (Bulls PG): Podziemski (18.2 PPG, 5.1 APG stepping up sans Curry) has hit 20+ in three straight, using crafty drives. Giddey (18.7 PPG, 8.2 APG, triple-double threat) orchestrates Chicago’s offense but struggles defensively (1.2 SPG). Edge: Podziemski’s scoring burst in transition.

Jimmy Butler III (Warriors SG, questionable) vs. Matas Buzelis (Bulls SF): If Butler plays (20.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG), his mid-range game tests Buzelis (12.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG as rookie). Buzelis’ length (6’10”) aids rebounding, but Butler’s IQ shines in clutch. Edge: Butler if active; Buzelis’ athleticism otherwise.

Draymond Green (Warriors PF, questionable) vs. Nikola Vucevic (Bulls C): Green (9.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.5 BPG) disrupts with help D if he suits up. Vucevic (17.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG) dominates inside (49% FG), exploiting switches. Edge: Vucevic’s size in the paint.

Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors PF) vs. Jevon Carter (Bulls PG/SG): Kuminga (16.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG) brings athletic dunks off benches. Carter (11.2 PPG, 3.1 APG) provides pesky perimeter D (1.4 SPG). A hustle matchup. Edge: Kuminga’s explosiveness.

Pat Spencer (Warriors PG) vs. Josh Green (Bulls SF): Spencer (career-high 19 PTS vs. Cavs) emerges as a shooter (38% 3PT). Green (10.8 PPG, 1.2 SPG) clamps wings with versatility. Edge: Spencer’s hot hand from deep.

These tilt toward Golden State’s experience, but Chicago’s home rebounding (44.2 RPG, 8th) could even it.

Team Records and Standings Context

Golden State Warriors (12-12, 8th in West): 6-5 home, 6-7 road. 5-5 in last 10, net rating +1.2 (12th). Offense: 113.7 PPG (15th); Defense: 113.0 OPP PPG (8th). Elite 3PT% (37.2%, 3rd).

Chicago Bulls (9-13, 11th in East): 4-7 home, 5-6 road. 2-8 in last 10, net rating -4.8 (23rd). Offense: 118.5 PPG (8th); Defense: 122.5 OPP PPG (27th). Strong assists (27.4 APG, 4th).

Season series: 0-0; all-time, Bulls lead 86-82.

Recent Team Forms

The Warriors steady the ship with Saturday’s win; the Bulls spiral deeper. Quick tables:

Golden State Warriors Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
Dec 6@ CLEW 99-94Spencer 19P; Podziemski 18P/6R
Dec 4@ PHIL 98-99Podziemski 16P; Close tip-in L
Dec 2vs. DENL 124-112Kuminga 22P; Defensive lapses
Nov 30@ HOUW 110-105Butler III 25P/7A; Clutch FTs
Nov 28vs. MINW 118-114Podziemski 20P; 14 3PM team

Form: 3-2. Balanced attack (115.4 PPG in wins), 3-2 ATS. Curry-less resilience on display.

Chicago Bulls Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
Dec 5vs. INDL 120-105White 22P (return); Siakam 36P for Ind
Dec 3@ BKNL 113-103Giddey 28P/11R/11A; Turnover woes
Dec 1vs. TORL 125-120Giddey 22P; Late collapse
Nov 29@ DETW 115-108Vucevic 24P/12R; Buzelis 15P
Nov 27vs. ATLL 118-112White 19P; Bench outscored

Form: 1-4. Six straight Ls overall, averaging 110.2 PPG with porous D (123.8 OPP PPG). 1-4 ATS.

Series History

All-Time Regular Season: Bulls lead 86-82 in 168 games. Chicago’s edged recent tilts, but Warriors won 8 of last 10.

2025-26 Season Series: 0-0 (opener). Last season: Split 2-2, with Warriors winning 130-127 in Chicago (Curry 37P). Averages: 225.6 total points; 55% OVER.

Trends: Warriors 8-2 SU last 10 H2H; Bulls 2-10 SU last 12 vs. GSW.

Betting Trends

Key Trends:

Warriors: 11-13 ATS overall (46%); 6-7 ATS as road favorites. 12-12 O/U; 3-2 SU L5.

Bulls: 10-12 ATS (45%); 5-6 ATS at home. 13-9 O/U; 1-4 SU L5, 0-6 SU streak.

H2H: Warriors 8-2 SU last 10; 60% OVER in last 5.

Game Odds

Golden State Warriors   – 1.5      

Chicago Bulls                     227.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 6, 2025