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Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls Preview: Odds, Tips and Predictions

Houston has a 21-11 overall record and 10-2 at home, while Chicago has a 17-18 record and a 7-9 away record. Houston is fighting at the top of the Western Conference standings while Chicago is battling for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference standings. That gap in form makes this matchup an interesting one for NBA bettors, especially when comparing prices across leading NBA betting sites. I’ll suggest keeping an eye on any late lineup changes, as a single absence can quickly shift the spread and total.

Ian Wanyeki

Sports Writer

Last updated: 2026-01-06

Fact checked by:

Chad Nagel

Sports & Betting Editor

7 minutes read

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Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets / Getty Images

Table of Contents

How to Watch Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls

Date: Tuesday, Jan 13th, 2026
Tip-Off Time: 7:00 p.m. CST
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: Stream with NBA League Pass
Records: Houston Rockets (21-11), Chicago Bulls (17-18)
Last Meeting: Houston Rockets 117-114 Chicago Bulls (March 15th, 2025 | NBA)

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability

Houston Rockets: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.8%
Chicago Bulls: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
Forecast odds – Betting available on BetMGM closer to the event.

Head-to-Head Record

Last five meetings (NFL)

15/03/2025 Houston Rockets 117-114 Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center
17/11/2024 Chicago Bulls 107-143 Houston Rockets at United Center
21/03/2024 Houston Rockets 127-117 Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center
10/01/2024 Chicago Bulls 124-119 (OVERTIME) Houston Rockets at United Center
11/03/2023 Houston Rockets 111-119 Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center

The Bulls and the Houston Rockets have played 149 games in the regular season, with 73 victories for the Bulls and 76 for the Rockets.

Houston Rockets Current Form- LWWWW

The Houston Rockets have lost one game against the Mavericks 110-104, while they have won four against the Nets 120-96, Pacers 126-119, Cavaliers 117-100, and the Lakers 119-96.

The Rockets’ offense is a unique, highly effective system ranked in the NBA's top five in offensive efficiency and points per game. It is built around elite offensive rebounding, strong mid-range shooting, and the versatile scoring of Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün. The offense tallies 120.0 points per game, which ranks 5th in the NBA, 1ST in total rebounds and offensive rebounds with 59.4 and 16.0, respectively, and 3rd in three-point percentage with 39.3%.

On the other hand, their defense is the sixth best in the NBA with a defensive rating of 111.6 (112.5 points allowed per 100 possessions) for the 2025-26 season. Under head coach Ime Udoka, they have established an identity built on physical play, aggressive pressure, and excellent team rebounding, which helps them secure defensive stops and generate transition offense.

Houston Rockets Offense vs. Chicago Bulls Defense

The Rockets’ offense revolves around the scoring and playmaking abilities of Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün. They lead the NBA in both total rebounds and offensive rebounds per game, generating numerous second-chance points and extra possessions. While the Rockets take the fewest three-point attempts per game, they are highly efficient, ranking third in the league in three-point percentage.

The Bulls' defense, in essence, has been a major concern, marked by lapses in fundamentals like paint protection and rebounding, despite efforts from players and coaches to correct course.

The Bulls' defense will be in for a rough game against the Rockets' offense

Key Players to Watch

Kevin Durant (Small Forward)
Durant is playing on an MVP level and has transformed the Rockets’ offense into one of the deadliest in the NBA. He is averaging 25.7 points per game and one block, which are both team highs.
Alperen Şengün (Center)
Alperen Şengün has been a key catalyst in the Rockets team as well as its second-best player. He is averaging 21.8 points per game while leading the team in rebounds and assists with 9.0 and 6.5, respectively.
Amen Thompson (Shooting Guard)
Amen Thompson is the glue of the team and an athletic freak of nature. He has been at the center of the Rockets’ defensive identity while contributing offensively. He is averaging 18.0 points per game and 1.4 steals.

Houston Rockets Injury Report

Fred VanVleet (torn ACL) is the only absentee for the game, with Alperen Şengün (ankle) and Steven Adams (ankle) being questionable and will need injury assessment before matchday.
The Rockets have sufficient cover if need be.

Chicago Bulls Current Form- LWWLL

The Bulls have lost three games against the Hornets 112-99, the Timberwolves 136-101, and the Bucks 112-103, while they have won against the Magic 121-114 and the Pelicans 134-118.

The Bulls’ offense is a fast-paced, modern system that emphasizes five-out spacing, aggressive driving to the paint, and high rates of ball movement. Players like Josh Giddey act as primary facilitators and ball-handlers, while Nikola Vučević serves as a crucial “connector” at the top of the key, capable of shooting, passing, or rolling to the basket.

Their defense, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, starting strong but declining to around the 22nd best in the NBA by late 2025. It's struggling with points in the paint, second-chance points, and overall team connectivity, requiring players like Coby White and Josh Giddey to step up individually on-ball, while coaches explore lineup adjustments.

Chicago Bulls Offense vs Houston Rockets Defense

Under head coach Billy Donovan, the Bulls have shifted to a high-tempo, team-oriented approach designed to create and exploit mismatches. The offense frequently uses a five-out structure to spread the floor, creating open driving lanes to the basket. It prioritizes attacking the paint, ranking high in both drives and points in the paint across the league.

On the other hand, the Rockets' defense utilizes a flexible system that includes both aggressive man-to-man coverage and an effective 2-3 zone defense, confusing opponents and forcing tough shots. Houston is also an elite rebounding team, leading the NBA in total rebounds per game and opponent free-throw rate, which limits second-chance opportunities and free throw attempts for opponents.

The Bulls' offense may struggle against the elite Rockets' defense.

Key Players to Watch

Josh Giddey (Point Guard)
Josh Giddey has taken his game to a whole new level this season. He is the team’s primary facilitator and ball handler. He is leading the team in points per game with 19.2, rebounds with 8.9, and assists with 9.0.
Nikola Vucevic (Center)
Vucevic has been a calming veteran presence for the Bulls with his leadership and consistent production. He is averaging 16.5 points per game and 8.9 rebounds.
Matas Buzelis (Power Forward)
Matas Buzelis has been a highlight reel machine for the Bulls. He combines an unorthodox, potent style of play with elite athleticism. He leads the team in blocks with 1.3 while averaging 14.4 points per game.

Chicago Bulls Injury Report

Coby White (calf), Trentyn Flowers (knee), Jalen Smith (concussion), Zach Collins (sprained right toe), and Noa Essengue (left shoulder injury) will all miss this contest. Josh Giddey (hamstring) will be re-evaluated before the matchup.

These injuries are highly significant, especially against a top team in the form of the Rockets.

Predicted Line-Ups

Houston Rockets
Point Guard: Amen Thompson
Shooting Guard: Kevin Durant
Small Forward: Tari Eason
Power Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
Center: Alperen Şengün
Chicago Bulls
Point Guard: Josh Giddey
Shooting Guard: Ayo Dosunmu
Small Forward: Isaac Okoro
Power Forward: Matas Buzelis
Center: Nikola Vucevic

Suggested Main Bets

Rockets to Win – The availability of the Rockets’ big wins has propelled the team to a successful record of wins recently. In this game, the same level of success is expected, even in a much bigger way.
Total Points: Over 210.5 – Both teams are not expected to move beyond this target. Even though they will be after scores, there might be gatekeeping instances that may hinder explosive scores.
Rockets to Cover a -5.5 Point Spread: The Rockets are expected to open the score gap; hence they are likely to cover this point spread.

Prop Bets & Same-Game Parlay Ideas

Prop bets are a smart way to focus on individual player output, especially when the matchup points to clear scoring chances. If you are building a same-game parlay, compare the player lines across US betting sites to find the best number before placing your picks.

Kevin Durant to Score Over 23.5 points: Durant has been averaging 25.7 points per game; therefore, he is likely to hit the point mark in this prop bet.
Josh Giddey to Score Over 15.5 points: With an average of 19.2 points per game, Giddey will be looking to score for his team, making this bet reasonable.

Why the Rockets Can Win

The Rockets are known to have a dominant home game and have only lost two games in their home ground. Therefore, they will most likely carry the win in this one.
They have premier and superior talent that is well-equipped to make the win happen.

Expert Prediction

The Houston Rockets are justified in winning this game because they perform better against teams that are below par. Moreover, their focus is to establish a winning record and enhance their standings; their chance to win in this game is higher. Our betting prediction is that the Rockets will dominate the game.

Ian WanyekiSports Writer

Ian Wanyeki is a Nairobi-based sports journalist with a strong passion for sport and an impressive grasp of multiple disciplines. A Bachelor of Science graduate from Kenyatta University, he has worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, a sports reporter at NTV, and a correspondent and contributor for Quartz Africa.