The Chicago Bulls host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night at the United Center in Chicago. The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET, featuring two teams fighting to improve their playoff positions. The Clippers (31-26) are sixth in the Western Conference, while the Bulls (23-35) hold the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference.
The last time these teams met was on January 20, 2025, when Chicago earned a 112-99 road victory. The Bulls snapped a six-game losing streak with a dominant 142-110 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, while the Clippers are struggling, losing three straight and six of their last nine games.
Chicago Bulls Preview – Bulls Aim to Keep Momentum Going
Chicago finally halted its losing skid with an emphatic win over the 76ers. The Bulls scored a season-high 142 points and led by as many as 50 in the game. Josh Giddey was the standout performer, registering 25 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Giddey has been a consistent force, finishing in double figures in five of his last six games against the Clippers.
The Bulls have been dealing with injuries, with Nikola Vucevic (calf) and Lonzo Ball (head) listed as day-to-day. Despite these setbacks, Chicago’s recent acquisitions, Kevin Huerter and Zach Collins, made significant impacts against Philadelphia. Huerter contributed 23 points, while Collins added 19 points and five rebounds.
Chicago holds a 13-15 home record this season and needs to capitalize on playing a shorthanded Clippers team. The Bulls rank 10th in the Eastern Conference and need every win to secure their place in the play-in tournament. Look for Chicago to continue riding the hot hand of Giddey and utilize the fresh energy from Huerter and Collins.
Los Angeles Clippers Preview – Clippers Look for Stability Amid Injuries
The Clippers’ struggles are largely due to injuries and inconsistent play. Kawhi Leonard (foot), Norman Powell (knee), and Ben Simmons (back) are all dealing with injuries, leaving Los Angeles shorthanded. Without their top stars, the Clippers have leaned on James Harden, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Ivica Zubac to fill the void.
Bogdanovic, acquired from Atlanta earlier this month, is still finding his role with the team. He has reached double figures in three of five games as a Clipper but has struggled with his shooting, particularly from three-point range (2-for-20 over the last two games). Harden leads the offense but shot just 5-for-22 in the loss to Detroit on Monday, scoring 18 points.
Los Angeles relies heavily on its defense, ranking 21st in the NBA in field goal percentage allowed (47.1%). The Clippers need a strong defensive performance to keep the Bulls from getting comfortable at home. The team also needs improved shooting from its role players to break out of this slump.
Betting Prediction
The Bulls’ recent blowout win against Philadelphia provides a boost, and they have a chance to sweep the season series against the Clippers. Los Angeles’ injury concerns and inconsistent shooting make this a tough spot for them. The over/under is projected around 228 points, considering Chicago’s high-scoring potential and the Clippers’ defensive struggles.
Expect Chicago to build on its momentum and secure a home victory. The predicted score is Chicago 115, Los Angeles 104, with the Bulls covering the spread. Look for Giddey to have another strong performance and for Chicago’s supporting cast to play a key role.
Pick: Chicago Bulls -3.5
