| MATCHUP | Charlotte Hornets | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-23 | 17-18 |
| Where | United Center, Chicago, IL | |
| When | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | CHSN+ | |
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Bucks and Warriors, and they play the Thunder next. The Hornets have lost 5 of their last 7 games.
The Charlotte Hornets are averaging 115.8 points on 45.6 percent shooting and allowing 119 points on 48.9 percent shooting. LaMelo Ball is averaging 20 points and 8.4 assists, while Miles Bridges is averaging 19.9 points and 6.2 rebounds. Kon Knueppel is the third double-digit scorer and Brandon Miller is dishing 3.4 assists. The Charlotte Hornets are shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81 percent from the free-throw line. The Charlotte Hornets are allowing 38.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.5 rebounds per game.
Chicago Bulls Betting Preview
The Chicago Bulls beat the Pelicans and Magic, and they play the Celtics next. The Bulls have won 8 of their last 11 games.
The Chicago Bulls are averaging 118.8 points on 47.4 percent shooting and allowing 122.3 points on 47.6 percent shooting. Josh Giddey is averaging 19.2 points and 8.9 rebounds, while Coby White is averaging 19.2 points and 4.7 assists. Nikola Vucevic is the third double-digit scorer and Matas Buzelis is grabbing 5.2 rebounds. The Chicago Bulls are shooting 36.3 percent from beyond the arc and 78.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Chicago Bulls are allowing 36.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.7 rebounds per game.
Why the Chicago Bulls will win
- The Bulls have won each of their last eight Saturday games against Southeast Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Hornets have lost seven of their last eight road games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Bulls have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games at United Center.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Bulls have lost each of their last four games as favorites following a win.
- The underdogs have won five of the Bulls’ last seven games at United Center.
- The Bulls have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games on the second leg of a back-to-back after winning as underdogs.
- The Hornets have covered the spread in each of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Bulls’ last eight games as home favorites against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Hornets’ last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
Chicago Bulls Player Facts
- Nikola Vucevic ranks 14th amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (8.9) this season.
- Matas Buzelis rank T14th in the league for total steals + blocks (75) this season.
Charlotte Hornets Player Facts
- Miles Bridges ranks 14th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for points per game (20.0) this season.
- Brandon Miller ranks 11th amongst qualified Forwards for three-pointers made per game (2.7) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bulls rank 29th in the league for H2 opponent points per game this season (60.8).
- The Bulls rank 2nd in the league for pace this season (102.6).
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (17.0).
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (21.0).
Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report
The Bulls will be without Noa Essengue, Zach Collins, Coby White, Trentyn Flowers, Lachlan Olbrich, and Josh Giddey. Emanuel Miller is questionable.
The Hornets will be without Ryan Kalkbrenner, Grant Williams, and Mason Plumlee. Moussa Diabate is questionable.
Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls Prediction
The Bulls are a banged up team and not the sort of squad I’m eager to back on the end of a back to back. These are horrible spots for teams asking a lot of backups already. However, the Hornets continue to lose games, and they’re on the end of a back to back as well. Also, the Hornets are 4-13 SU on the road. If only being asked to lay a bucket, I’d need more success on the road. The Bulls have won 8 of the last 10 games against the Hornets, which includes a win three weeks ago on the road. It’s Bulls or pass on Saturday night.