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Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets Preview: Odds, Tips & Prediction

Date: Saturday 3rd January 2026 Start time: 7 pm local time (1 am BST) Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois Last regular season meeting: December 12, 2025, Chicago Bulls 129-126 Charlotte Hornets The Chicago Bulls hosts the Charlotte Hornets for this all-Eastern Conference affair in Illinois. Both teams face off for the third time this season, with both franchises winning one game each. With both franchises contesting for a play-in place, who are the favorites to win according to NBA betting sites?

Henry Cheal
Henry Cheal

Last updated: 2025-12-29

Chad Nagel

5 minutes read

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Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks

Josh Giddey /Getty Images

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability:

  1. Charlotte Hornets: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%

  2. Chicago Bulls: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%

  3. Forecast odds – Betting available on bet365 closer to event

Head-to-Head Record

Both the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Hornets have played against each other in 135 NBA regular-season games. The Bulls have won 87 matchups, with the Hornets picking up just 48 victories. Notably, the Bulls won eight games in the last 11.

Last 5 Matches:

SeasonDateResult
2025-26 SeasonDecember 12, 2025Chicago Bulls 129-126 Charlotte Hornets
2025-26 SeasonNovember 28, 2025Charlotte Hornets 123-116 Chicago Bulls
2024-25 SeasonApril 6, 2025Chicago Bulls 131-117 Charlotte Hornets
2024-25 SeasonJanuary 17, 2025Charlotte Hornets 125-123 Chicago Bulls
2024-25 SeasonDecember 30, 2024Chicago Bulls 115-108 Charlotte Hornets
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Charlotte Hornets – WLLWW

Record

Home Form

Road Form

11-20

7-8

4-12

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled this season and are falling short of playoff contention. However, there’s still a lot of time left to turn things around. They’ve been much stronger at home than on the road, where they’ve only managed four wins. This upcoming matchup could be a key test for their playoff hopes as they take on rivals, the Bulls, on the road.

With a 9-19 record, the Hornets' offense is among the worst in the league. They're averaging 115.6 points per game, ranking 18th overall, while their shooting performance is equally troubling. Both their field goal and free-throw percentages are tied for 25th in the league.

Charlotte Hornets – Offense vs Chicago Bulls

The Hornets' offense is struggling to find its rhythm this season, which could be a major issue against a Chicago Bulls team that ranks seventh in the NBA for rebounds per game. This matchup will be a tough challenge for Charlotte.

Key Players to Watch

  • LaMelo Ball (Guard) – Ball is the Hornets’ best player. Although he’s averaging 19.7 points per game, he’s useful on both sides of the court, averaging 5.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game too. 
  • Miles Bridges (Forward) – Numerically speaking, Bridges is averaging consistently 20.4 points per season for yet another year. His shooting is the organization’s highest, and he has played in all 31 games so far. 
  • Moussa Diabate (Forward) – Diabate has played an influential role from the bench, as he currently leads the organization with the most rebounds per game. He’s averaging 8.1, a career-high, suggesting he should start more often. 

Injury Report

  • Kon Knueppel – Day-to-day (right ankle)
  • Mason Plumlee – Out (groin)
  • Ryan Kalkbrenner – Out (left elbow sprain)
  • Grant Williams – Out (knee) 

Chicago Bulls – WWWWL

Record

Home Form

Road Form

15-16

8-7

7-9

The Chicago Bulls’ recent five games suggest an upturn in form, as they close in on going above .500 for the season. Realistically, the Bulls aren’t close to the top seeds at the moment, but this streak should help them rise up the Eastern Conference if they continue their form.

One standout aspect of the Bulls' game is their selflessness, ranking fourth in the NBA with an average of 29.5 assists per game. This reflects their commitment to team success and securing wins, further explaining their recent form. 

Chicago Bulls – Offense vs Charlotte Hornets

The Bulls boast a strong offense, ranking 10th in the NBA with 118.8 points per game, highlighting their offensive firepower this season. This works in their favor, as the Hornets are ranked 22nd in points allowed on defense, suggesting the Bulls will have the upper hand in shooting efficiency.

Key Players to Watch

  • Nikola Vucevic (Center) – Even at 35 and at the twilight years of his career, Vucevic is ever reliable at center. He’s averaging a solid 15.8 points per game, in addition to 9.1 rebounds, making him one of the best in the league. 
  • Coby White (Guard) – White’s return from injury has helped the Bulls regain their form, as he’s averaging 20.5 points and 4.9 assists per game. He’s an integral part of their starting five. 
  • Josh Giddey (Guard) – Giddey is averaging by far the best numbers of his career with 19.5 points per game, but his averages of 9.2 rebounds and 9.1 assists place him as one of the most versatile players in the league. He’s improved his numbers in recent weeks, implying he can get even better. 

Injury Report:

  • Zach Collins – Day-to-day
  • Noa Essengue – Out (left shoulder surgery, out for the season) 

Predicted Line-Ups

  1. Charlotte Hornets

    Guard: LaMelo Ball
    Guard: Kon Knueppel 
    Center: Moussa Diabete
    Forward: Miles Bridges
    Forward: Brandon Miller 

  2. Chicago Bulls

    Guard: Josh Giddey
    Guard: Coby White
    Center: Nikola Vucevic
    Forward: Isaac Okoro
    Forward: Matas Buzelis 

Value Bets

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  1. Total Points: Over 239.5: The Bulls have a strong offense and should play a key role in achieving this total point prediction.  

  2. Bulls to Win: The Bulls’ recent form is a key indication that they are strong favorites for this matchup.

  3. Josh Giddey to post at least 20 points and 7 rebounds: Josh Giddey has posted at least 20 points and seven rebounds in the last three matches against the Hornets. He will be a key player because of his versatility. 

Why the Chicago Bulls can Win

  • Nikola Vucevic is one of the best in their position in the league. 
  • Coby White is gaining momentum after time out on the sidelines. 
  • The Bulls’ recent head-to-head record against the Hornets is impressive. 

Expert Prediction: Chicago Bulls to Win

Our expert betting prediction is that the Chicago Bulls will prevail in this matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets’ form has been far from ideal, and their defense will likely struggle against one of the NBA’s highest-scoring teams. Moreover, the Bulls have won eight of their last 11 games, suggesting a positive trend that supports this prediction.

Henry Cheal
Henry ChealSports Betting Writer

Henry Cheal is a versatile freelance sports journalist with extensive experience in the industry. Henry has previously worked at the 2024 World Snooker Championship and earned a Multimedia Sports Journalism degree from UCFB in 2023.

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