The Chicago Bulls (19-21) visit the Brooklyn Nets (11-27) in an Eastern Conference matchup where both teams are looking to build momentum amid inconsistent seasons. The Bulls sit 10th in the East, while the Nets are 13th and mired in a five-game losing streak. Brooklyn won the most recent meeting on December 3, 2025 (113-103), but Chicago has historically dominated the series. With injuries impacting both sides, expect a competitive game driven by guards like Coby White for the Bulls and Cam Thomas for the Nets, potentially leading to a high-scoring affair.
Venue Location
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York. This 17,732-capacity arena is the Nets’ home, known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere in NBA games.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. CT). The game will be televised on YES and CHSN, with potential national coverage on ESPN, and streaming available via NBA League Pass (regional restrictions apply).
Recent Team Forms
The Bulls are 4-6 in their last 10 games, showing flashes of offensive prowess but defensive inconsistencies. They recently edged Utah 128-126 (Jan 14) behind Nikola Vucevic’s 35 points, but lost 113-119 at Houston (Jan 13) due to poor rebounding. Wins include a 125-107 blowout vs. Dallas (Jan 10) and 121-114 vs. Orlando (Jan 2), averaging ~117 PPG in victories but allowing ~115 in losses. Shooting efficiency hovers around 47-51% in wins.
The Nets are 2-8 in their last 10, extending a five-game skid with a 113-116 loss at New Orleans (Jan 14). They notched wins like 127-115 vs. Denver (Jan 4) but have been outscored in most outings, averaging ~108 PPG recently while conceding ~116. Defensive lapses and turnovers plague them, though they shot 50.6% in their Denver victory.
| Team | Last 10 Record | Avg. PPG (Last 10) | Avg. Opp. PPG (Last 10) | Key Trend |
| Bulls | 4-6 | ~115 | ~114 | Strong offense in wins (50%+ FG); rebounding issues in losses; 3-3 at home lately. |
| Nets | 2-8 | ~108 | ~116 | Five-game losing streak; poor home form (1-4 in last 5); turnovers high (~15 per game). statmuse.com +6 |
Injury Report
Injuries could slow the pace, favoring unders in totals.
Bulls Key Injuries:
Zach Collins (F/C): Out (right toe sprain) – Expected out until after All-Star break; major interior loss.
Josh Giddey (G): Out (left hamstring strain) – Ramping up but sidelined; impacts playmaking.
Julian Phillips (F): Questionable (right wrist sprain) – Defensive role uncertain.
Noa Essengue (F): Out (left shoulder surgery).
Kevin Huerter (G): Probable (right hip flexor tightness) – Likely plays but monitored.
Others: Yuki Kawamura, Emanuel Miller, Lachlan Olbrich (G-League) – Out.
Nets Key Injuries:
Haywood Highsmith (F): Out (right knee surgery recovery) – Key defender absent.
Ziaire Williams (F): Out (conditioning/illness) – Recently ill; fitness ramp-up.
E.J. Liddell (F): Out (G-League two-way).
Ben Saraf (G): Out (G-League assignment).
Egor Demin (G): Questionable (injury management) – Rookie may sit for rest.
Both teams miss facilitators, shifting focus to veterans like Vucevic and Michael Porter Jr.
Key
Player Matchups
Key battles could decide this low-stakes Eastern clash:
Coby White (Bulls PG) vs. Cam Thomas (Nets SG): White’s scoring (e.g., 22 vs. Dallas) faces Thomas’ volume (averaging ~25 PPG lately). Thomas’ efficiency (45-50% FG) could exploit Bulls’ perimeter defense.
Nikola Vucevic (Bulls C) vs. Nic Claxton (Nets C): Vucevic’s double-doubles (35 points vs. Utah) test Claxton’s rim protection. Claxton’s rebounding (~9 RPG) might limit second chances.
Ayo Dosunmu (Bulls G) vs. Michael Porter Jr. (Nets SF): Dosunmu’s assists (e.g., 8 vs. Utah) vs. Porter’s scoring surge (25+ PPG recently). Porter’s 3-point threat could stretch Chicago’s defense.
Bench Battle: Tre Jones/Bulls reserves vs. Egor Demin/Nets depth: With injuries, Jones’ facilitation faces Demin’s rookie energy (if available).
Series History
The Bulls lead the all-time series 101-89. In the last 10 meetings, it’s split 5-5, with Brooklyn winning the latest on December 3, 2025 (113-103). Chicago has won 60% of road games vs. Brooklyn in recent years, but the Nets are 3-2 at home in the past five head-to-heads. Overs have hit in 60% of recent matchups.
Betting Trends
Spread: Nets are 18-19-1 ATS overall, 7-12 as home favorites. Bulls are 19-20-1 ATS, 10-9 as road underdogs.
Moneyline: Brooklyn wins 40% as favorites; Chicago 45% as underdogs.
Over/Under: Nets games hit over in 15 of 38 (39.5%); Bulls in 18 of 40 (45%). Recent trends: Unders in 6 of Nets’ last 10; overs in 5 of Bulls’ last 8.
Other Trends: Bulls 4-6 ATS in last 10; Nets 3-7. Chicago covers 55% after wins; Brooklyn 40% at home.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls 225.5
Brooklyn Nets – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 15, 2026
