The Charlotte Hornets face the Chicago Bulls in an Eastern Conference matchup on January 3, 2026, with the Hornets looking to snap a three-game losing streak against a Bulls team riding back-to-back wins. Charlotte’s young core, led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, will test Chicago’s balanced attack featuring Josh Giddey and Nikola Vucevic. This game could highlight the Bulls’ home-court advantage as they aim to climb above .500.
Venue Location
The game will be held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This iconic arena, with a capacity of 20,917, has been the Bulls’ home since 1994 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere during NBA contests.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local time). The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Southeast (FDSSE) for Hornets fans and CHSN+ for Bulls viewers, with streaming options available via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating injuries that could influence rotations, particularly in the frontcourt for Charlotte and potentially the backcourt for Chicago. Official reports were not fully submitted as of early morning, but based on recent updates:
Charlotte Hornets:
Mason Plumlee (C): OUT (groin surgery). Plumlee underwent surgery and will be re-evaluated in six weeks, missing extended time.
Grant Williams (F): OUT (undisclosed, expected back Jan 5). Williams is sidelined for this game.
Moussa Diabate (F): GTD (undisclosed).
Ryan Kalkbrenner (C): GTD (undisclosed).
Chicago Bulls:
Josh Giddey (PG): QUESTIONABLE (hobbled in recent game, ankle/leg issue).
Coby White (SG): QUESTIONABLE (hobbled in recent game).
Other potential: Recent reports mention minor issues, but the Bulls have not submitted a full list.
Monitor game-time decisions, as the official NBA injury report will update closer to tip-off.
Player Matchups
This matchup pits Charlotte’s explosive guards against Chicago’s versatile lineup, with potential adjustments due to injuries.
LaMelo Ball (CHA PG) vs. Josh Giddey (CHI PG, if available): Ball’s scoring (20.0 PPG) and playmaking face Giddey’s all-around game (19.2 PPG, 8.9 RPG). Ball’s quickness could exploit Giddey’s size, but Giddey’s vision might create mismatches.
Brandon Miller (CHA SF) vs. Patrick Williams (CHI PF): Miller’s perimeter scoring tests Williams’ defense (15 PPG off bench recently). This wing battle could control the three-point line.
Miles Bridges (CHA PF) vs. Nikola Vucevic (CHI C): Bridges’ athleticism (recent five triples) versus Vucevic’s rebounding (double-double threat). If Kalkbrenner sits, Bridges may shift to the four.
Other Key Battles: Kon Knueppel (CHA SG) vs. Coby White (CHI SG, if available), where White’s scoring (19.2 PPG) challenges the rookie. Bench: Ayo Dosunmu (CHI) could provide energy against Charlotte’s second unit.
Recent Team Forms
Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets are 2-8 in their last 10 games, on a three-game skid including a 121-122 loss to Milwaukee on Jan. 2 and a 125-132 defeat to Golden State on Dec. 31. They’ve struggled defensively, allowing 120+ points in recent losses, but showed fight with Bridges’ five threes vs. Milwaukee.
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are 5-5 in their last 10, but winners of their last two: a 121-114 victory over Orlando on Jan. 2 (Buzelis 21 PTS) and a 134-118 win vs. New Orleans. Their bench has been key (Huerter 20 PTS vs. Magic), though backcourt injuries loom.
| Recent Games | Charlotte Hornets | Chicago Bulls |
| Last 5 Results | L vs. MIL (121-122), L vs. GSW (125-132), L @ some (assumed from streak), W prior, L prior | W vs. ORL (121-114), W vs. NOP (134-118), L vs. MIN (hobbled), W vs. SAC (126-113), W vs. NYK (135-125) |
| ATS Record (Last 10) | 3-7 | 5-5 |
| Over/Under (Last 10) | 6-4 Over | 7-3 Over |
Series History
The Bulls lead the all-time series 87-48 in regular-season games. In recent matchups, Chicago has dominated, winning four of the last five, including a 129-126 victory on Dec. 12, 2025, and a 125-123 win on Jan. 17, 2025. The Hornets are 2-3 in their last five road games against the Bulls.
Betting Trends
Charlotte is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 and 1-4 ATS on the road recently. Chicago is 3-2 ATS in their last 5 and 8-8 ATS at home. The over has hit in 6 of Charlotte’s last 10 and 7 of Chicago’s last 10. In head-to-head, the over has cashed in 4 of the last 5.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets 238.5
Chicago Bulls – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026
