The stage is set for a compelling NBA regular-season showdown this Saturday night as the Chicago Bulls prepare to welcome the Dallas Mavericks to the United Center. This inter-conference clash, tipping off at 8:00 p.m. ET on January 10, 2026, promises high-octane action between two teams with distinct season narratives.
Game Schedule and How to Watch Live
Fans in India and globally can catch all the live action from this marquee matchup. The game will be broadcast exclusively on CHSN+ and KFAA. For viewers preferring online streaming, the contest will be available on Fubo and Prime Video. The iconic United Center in Chicago, Illinois, will serve as the battleground for this 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off.
Team Form and Season Performance Analysis
The Chicago Bulls enter this fixture with a decent record in the 2025-2026 campaign, having secured 17 victories from their 37 games. Known for their earnest play, the Bulls rely on the consistent performances of veterans like center Nikola Vucevic and point guard Tre Jones to fuel their engine. Their opponent, the Dallas Mavericks, represents a prominent force from the Western Conference. The Mavericks have shown consistency, registering 14 wins from 38 outings so far this season.
Projected Starting Lineups for the Big Game
Barring any last-minute changes, the teams are expected to field the following starting fives.
Chicago Bulls:
- Tre Jones (Point Guard)
- Coby White (Shooting Guard)
- Isaac Okoro (Small Forward)
- Matas Buzelis (Power Forward)
- Nikola Vucevic (Center)
Dallas Mavericks:
- Cooper Flagg (Point Guard)
- Max Christie (Shooting Guard)
- Klay Thompson (Small Forward)
- Caleb Martin (Power Forward)
- Daniel Gafford (Center)
Injury Report: Key Absences for Both Sides
Both squads will be navigating significant injury concerns, which could impact their rotational depth and strategy.
The Chicago Bulls have ruled out Josh Giddey (hamstring), Noah Essengue (shoulder), Zach Collins (toe), and Jalen Smith (contusion). The availability of Kevin Huerter (back) and Yuki Kawamura (lower leg) remains questionable.
The Dallas Mavericks face a longer list of absentees. Key players Anthony Davis (hand), Kyrie Irving (knee), P.J. Washington (ankle), Dante Exum (knee), and Dereck Lively II (foot) are all out. Brandon Williams is also sidelined due to illness.
Game Prediction and Players to Watch
This matchup features intriguing statistical trends. The Chicago Bulls have seen a combined score exceeding 233.5 points in 24 of their 37 games. The Mavericks have gone over the same total in 12 of their 38 contests. The spotlight will be on individual brilliance to decide the outcome.
For the Bulls, all eyes will be on Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging an impressive 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game this season. His playmaking from the center position is crucial.
The Mavericks' hopes rest heavily on their standout rookie, Cooper Flagg. Flagg has taken the league by storm, posting averages of 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson, contributing 11.3 points per game, will also be a vital offensive piece for Dallas.
With both teams missing several rotation players, the contest may hinge on which role players step up. While the Bulls have the slight edge in record and home-court advantage, the Mavericks possess a transcendent talent in Flagg capable of swinging the game. The final result remains a tantalizing speculation, promising a thrilling encounter for NBA fans worldwide.
