The 2025-26 NBA season delivers an Eastern Conference matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks, as the Bulls aim for their third straight win while the Hawks look to snap a recent skid. Chicago, sitting in the lower half of the East, has shown resilience with balanced scoring from Josh Giddey and Coby White (pending injury status), but defensive inconsistencies have plagued them. Atlanta, hovering around .500, relies on Trae Young’s playmaking but has struggled with blowout losses and rebounding issues. With playoff seeding on the line in a crowded conference, this afternoon contest at State Farm Arena could hinge on three-point shooting and paint control, potentially high-scoring given both teams’ recent over trends.
Venue Location
The game will be held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This modern 16,888-seat facility, renovated in 2018, has been the Hawks’ home since 1999 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, LED lighting, and fan-friendly amenities, often boosting the home team’s energy in close games.
Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on FDSSE for Hawks fans and CHSN for Bulls viewers, with streaming available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Chicago Bulls: Coby White (Questionable – Left Ankle Soreness); Chris Paul (Out – Left Knee Soreness); Noa Essengue (Out – Left Shoulder Surgery); Nikola Đurišić (Out – Right Elbow Fracture). The Bulls’ backcourt could be impacted if White sits, forcing more reliance on Josh Giddey for playmaking.
Atlanta Hawks: N’Faly Dante (Out – Left Knee Soreness). The Hawks’ frontcourt depth is slightly thinned, but core stars like Trae Young remain available, minimizing the impact.
Player Matchups
This contest features several pivotal battles that could decide the outcome, pitting Chicago’s young core against Atlanta’s veteran guards:
Josh Giddey (CHI, G) vs. Trae Young (ATL, G): Giddey (20.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 8.8 assists) brings triple-double potential, but Young’s scoring (24.5 points, 10.2 assists) could exploit Chicago’s perimeter defense in a playmaking duel.
Coby White (CHI, G) vs. Dyson Daniels (ATL, G): If White plays through his ankle issue (21.2 points), his shooting faces Daniels’ defense (12.4 points, strong steals), potentially deciding backcourt efficiency.
Matas Buzelis (CHI, F) vs. Jalen Johnson (ATL, F): Buzelis (rookie athleticism) tests Johnson’s all-around game (18.6 points, 9.2 rebounds), a forward battle for rebounding and transition.
Nikola Vučević (CHI, C) vs. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL, C): Vučević (16.1 points, 10.2 rebounds) dominates the paint against Okongwu’s energy (10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds), key for second-chance points.
Atlanta’s guard play gives them an edge, but Chicago’s youth could force turnovers.
Team Records
Chicago Bulls: 12-15, 10th in the Eastern Conference (4th in Central Division).
Atlanta Hawks: 15-14, 8th in the Eastern Conference (3rd in Southeast Division).
Recent Team Forms
Chicago has turned a corner with a two-game winning streak, including a gritty 115-105 win over the Indiana Pacers on December 12. Over their last five, they’ve gone 2-3 but averaged 118.4 points while allowing 121.8, showing offensive improvement but defensive vulnerabilities. Prior losses to Philadelphia highlighted rebounding issues (-6 per game average).
Atlanta has lost six of its last eight, including a 126-98 blowout to the San Antonio Spurs on December 19. Over the same span, they’ve averaged 112.6 points but allowed 120.4, with poor three-point defense (opponents at 38%). A win over Orlando on December 14 showed potential, but blowouts indicate fatigue and matchup problems.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Points For/Against (Last 5) | FG% (Season) | 3PT% (Season) |
| Chicago Bulls | 2-3 | W2 | 118.4 / 121.8 | 45.2% | 34.8% |
| Atlanta Hawks | 1-4 | L1 | 112.6 / 120.4 | 44.5% | 35.2% |
Series History
Chicago holds a strong recent edge, going 8-4 straight up in their last 12 against Atlanta, including 12-5 ATS in the last 17. The Bulls have won 7 of the last 10 meetings, with games averaging 226.8 points. At State Farm Arena, Atlanta is 3-4 in the last 7 vs. Chicago. This is the first matchup of the 2025-26 season, setting the tone for future encounters.
Betting Trends
The Hawks are 7-6 ATS at home this season but have struggled as favorites (4-5 ATS when favored by 4+ points). The over has hit in 7 of Atlanta’s last 10 games due to high-scoring losses (average total 233 points). Chicago is 5-4 ATS as underdogs and 3-2 ATS on the road lately, with the under cashing in 4 of their last 6 amid defensive focus. Head-to-head, the over has hit in 7 of the last 10, and Chicago covers 70% as underdogs in the series. League-wide December trends favor overs in 52% of games involving teams with recent blowouts like Atlanta.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls 247.5
Atlanta Hawks – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
