The Dallas Mavericks hit the road to face the Chicago Bulls in an interconference clash, with the Mavericks looking to overcome a rash of injuries and poor form while the Bulls aim to snap a three-game losing streak on home court. Dallas, struggling in the Western Conference basement, faces a Bulls team that’s been competitive but inconsistent in the East. This matchup could turn on frontcourt battles and perimeter defense, especially with key Mavericks sidelined.
Venue Location
United Center, Chicago, Illinois.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT).
Recent Team Forms
The Mavericks are in a tailspin, posting a 2-8 record in their last 10 games with a -6.4 point differential.
They recently fell 116-114 to the Utah Jazz on January 8 and 110-104 to the Houston Rockets on January 6, averaging 110.2 points scored and 116.6 allowed in that span.
On the road, Dallas is 6-14, with turnovers plaguing them (16.5 per game in losses) amid injuries to key players.
The Bulls have dropped three straight, going 4-6 in their last 10 with a -3.2 point differential.
They suffered a 108-93 defeat to the Detroit Pistons on January 8, but earlier notched wins like 135-125 over the Knicks on December 15.
At home, Chicago is 9-9, but defensive lapses have allowed 121.2 points per game overall, though they’ve shown rebounding strength in close contests.
Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks:
Anthony Davis (PF): Out (Left hand ligament damage; MRI confirmed, consulting for surgery, expected to miss extended time).
Kyrie Irving (PG): Out (Undisclosed; out since December 13).
Dereck Lively II (C): Out (Undisclosed; out since December 10).
Brandon Williams (PG): Out (Undisclosed; out since December 27).
These absences cripple Dallas’ interior defense and playmaking, forcing reliance on rookies and bench depth.
Chicago Bulls:
Josh Giddey (PG): Out (Right hamstring strain).
Zach Collins (PF): Out (Right toe sprain).
Jalen Smith (PF): Out (Concussion).
Kevin Huerter (SG): Questionable (Back).
Yuki Kawamura (PG): Out (Lower leg).
Noa Essengue (F): Out (Left shoulder).
Chicago’s backcourt and frontcourt depth is tested, but core players remain available.
Player Matchups to Watch
With Dallas missing Davis and Irving, the game shifts to emerging talents and veteran anchors, potentially leading to a rebounding and transition battle.
Cooper Flagg (Mavs SF) vs. Matas Buzelis (Bulls SF): Rookie Flagg leads Dallas recently with 19.1 PPG and 6.6 RPG, scoring 26 in a recent loss. He’ll clash with Buzelis (17.7 PPG over last 10), whose athleticism could exploit Mavs’ thinned frontcourt.
Anthony Davis (Mavs PF) vs. Nikola Vucevic (Bulls C): Davis is out, but if he were playing, his 20.4 PPG would test Vucevic (16.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.6 APG).
With Davis sidelined, Vucevic dominates the paint against backups like Lively (out) or others.
PJ Washington (Mavs PF) vs. Patrick Williams (Bulls PF): Washington steps up in Davis’ absence, facing Williams (18.6 PPG in recent starts).
This matchup could decide rebounding, with Bulls holding a slight edge.
Series History
The Mavericks lead the all-time series 46-42 in 88 regular-season games.
In the last 10 meetings, Dallas holds a 6-4 edge, including a 120-119 win on March 29, 2025, and 119-99 on November 6, 2024.
The Mavs have won three of the last four in Chicago, but games often stay under the total, hitting in 6 of 10.
Betting Trends
Mavericks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 as underdogs of 0.5-4.5.
Bulls are 2-3 ATS in their last 5, but 4-6 as home favorites.
The over has hit in 5 of Dallas’ last 5 as favorites, but under in 6 of Chicago’s last 10 home games.
Game Odds
Dallas Mavericks 231.45
Chicago Bulls – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
