Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls Prediction and Preview - Jan. 18 | 2025-26 NBA Season
The Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls will meet again on Sunday, this time at the United Center. Brooklyn claimed a tight 112–109 win in New York on Friday and has now gone a perfect 2–0 against Chicago this season.
The Bulls, however, enter with momentum at home, having won their last two at the United Center, and will be looking to notch their first win over Brooklyn. The Nets, meanwhile, arrive in Illinois riding a four-game losing streak on the road, which plays to Chicago's advantage.
Despite their struggles against Brooklyn this season, Chicago remains in a far healthier position in the standings. The Nets sit 13th in the East at 12–27, while the Bulls, at 19–22, hold ninth place and a firm grip on a play-in spot.
Brooklyn may be unbeaten against Chicago this season, but maintaining that edge will require a sharper showing on the road. The Nets are just 6–12 away from home, up against a Bulls side that has gone 12–9 at the United Center.
Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction
Moneyline: Nets +200, Bulls -245
Spread: Nets +6.5 (-115), Bulls -6.5 (-105)
Total over/under (o/u): Nets o220.5 (-108), Bulls u220.5 (-112)
*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*
Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls preview
The Brooklyn Nets' win over the Chicago Bulls was only their second victory of 2026, as they continue to struggle for consistency. While they have proven to be a nuisance for the Bulls, the Nets have struggled to carry that edge against the rest of the league.
This is mainly due to their struggles offensively as Brooklyn holds the worst scoring record in the league at 108.9 ppg. However, they have an admirable defensive record, allowing 113.8 ppg, the 10th-best mark in the league.
Much of their offensive struggle stems from a shortage of reliable scorers. Michael Porter Jr. stands as their lone true offensive engine, pouring in 25.8 ppg, while the next closest option is Nic Claxton at 18.3.
On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls have only been slightly better than the Nets in 2026, winning a total of three games. However, all three wins have come at home and will give them confidence heading into Sunday's game.
However, Chicago's performance contrasts with Brooklyn's. The Bulls average 117.3 ppg, ranking 11th in the NBA, but their defense struggles, allowing 120.7 ppg, the fourth-most in the league.
Josh Giddey has been the Bulls' best offensive player, averaging 19.2 ppg, but he has missed plenty of games with injuries. Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic has been their most consistent performer, averaging 17.0 ppg in 40 appearances.
Both teams enter the matchup shorthanded. Chicago will be without Josh Giddey, Noa Essengue, and Zach Collins, while Patrick Williams and Lachlan Olbrich remain questionable.
Brooklyn’s list is just as concerning, with Haywood Highsmith, Michael Porter Jr., Drake Powell, and Ziaire Williams all ruled out.
Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls predicted starting fives
Brooklyn Nets predicted starting five
PG- Egor Dmin, SG- Cam Thomoans, SF- Terance Mann, PF- Noah Clownley, C- Nic Claxton
Chicago Bulls predicted starting five
PG- Tre Jones, SG- Coby White, SF- Issac Okoro, PF- Matas Buzelis, C- Nikola Vucevic
Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls betting tips
Nic Claxton is projected to score over 12.5 points. He is averaging 18.2 ppg this season.
Coby White is expected to score over 17.5 points. He is averaging 17.9 ppg this season.
Nikola Vucevic is projected to collect over 8.5 rebounds. He is averaging 9.1 rpg this season.
Brooklyn Nets vs Chicago Bulls prediction
The Chicago Bulls are 6.5-point favorites against the spread and should cover it easily. Despite failing to defeat the Nets this season, Brooklyn's injury woes should allow Chicago to secure their first win against them on Sunday.
Prediction: Bulls to win by 5 points or more.