Venue Location
The game will be held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This is the home arena for the Chicago Bulls, with a seating capacity of approximately 20,917. The venue is known for its passionate fans and historic significance in NBA lore, often creating a challenging atmosphere for visiting teams.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT). The game will be broadcast on regional networks like FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and NBC Sports Chicago, with streaming options available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
- Charlotte Hornets: Liam McNeeley (SF) is out with a left ankle sprain, expected to return by late February or early March. Coby White (PG/SG) is out with a left calf strain, also expected back around February 24 but listed as sidelined. Miles Bridges (SF/PF) is out serving a league suspension. Moussa Diabate (PF) is out serving a league suspension.
- Chicago Bulls: Patrick Williams (PF) is probable with a left hand contusion. Zach Collins (C) is out with a right first toe sprain. Noa Essengue (F) is out with a left shoulder injury (surgery). Jaden Ivey (G) is out with left patellofemoral pain syndrome. Nick Richards (C) is questionable with a right foot injury. Anfernee Simons (SG/PG) is out with a left wrist sprain.
Key
Player Matchups
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, making this a battle of depth in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets’ offense will test the Bulls’ defense, while Chicago’s playmaking could exploit Charlotte’s perimeter vulnerabilities.
- LaMelo Ball (CHA Guard) vs. Josh Giddey (CHI Guard): Ball’s flashy playmaking (averaging 24.5 PPG, 8.2 APG) and recent highs (26 points) will challenge Giddey’s vision (8.5 APG). Giddey’s size could disrupt Ball’s drives if Chicago switches.
- Brandon Miller (CHA Forward) vs. Zach LaVine (CHI Guard/Forward): Miller leads Charlotte in scoring (20.5 PPG) with strong rebounding (8.6 RPG). His shooting faces LaVine’s athleticism (22.3 PPG), who could pull up from deep.
- Moussa Diabate (CHA Forward, suspended) vs. Nikola Vucevic (CHI Center): With Diabate out, expect Antonio Reeves or others to step in against Vucevic’s double-double threat (18.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG). Vucevic’s post game could dominate if Charlotte’s frontcourt thins.
- Tidjane Salaun (CHA Forward) vs. Ayo Dosunmu (CHI Guard): Salaun’s defense tests Dosunmu’s scoring (recent 20+ points). This matchup could control the tempo.
Recent Team Forms
- Charlotte Hornets: L W W L W (Last 5: Win 112-99 vs. CHI on Jan 3; Loss 126-129 vs. CHI on Dec 12; Win 123-116 vs. CHI on Nov 28; Loss 117-131 vs. CHI on Apr 6, 2025; Loss 123-125 vs. CHI on Jan 17, 2025). The Hornets average 115.6 PPG while allowing 113.7 over recent games, showing balanced play but inconsistency against stronger teams.
- Chicago Bulls: L L L W L (Last 5: Loss 112-99 at CHA on Jan 3; Win 129-126 at CHA on Dec 12; Loss 116-123 at CHA on Nov 28; Win 131-117 at CHA on Apr 6, 2025; Win 125-123 at CHA on Jan 17, 2025). The Bulls average 116.1 PPG but allow 120.3, highlighting defensive issues amid a 1-9 stretch in their last 10.
Series History
The Chicago Bulls lead the all-time regular-season series 87-49 in 136 games. In recent matchups, the Hornets have won 3 of the last 5: 112-99 on Jan 3, 2026; 126-129 (loss) on Dec 12, 2025; 123-116 on Nov 28, 2025; 117-131 (loss) on Apr 6, 2025; 123-125 (loss) on Jan 17, 2025. Charlotte is 3-2 straight up in those games, with the over hitting in 4 of 5.
Betting Trends
- Charlotte is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games and 11-3 SU in its last 14 against Chicago. The total has gone under in 11 of Charlotte’s last 16 games. Chicago is 0-5 in its last 5 games and 0-5 ATS. The Bulls are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games against Charlotte. Head-to-head: Hornets are 3-2 ATS in the last 5 meetings; over has gone 4-1.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets – 7.5
Chicago Bulls 235.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 23, 2026
