The NBA Eastern Conference's mid-table gets a crucial shake-up as the Charlotte Hornets travel to face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Both franchises, plagued by inconsistency and a significant injury toll this season, are desperate for a win to improve their standing. The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET inside the iconic United Center in Chicago, which can hold 20,917 fans.
Team Standings and Historical Context
The Hornets enter this contest with a struggling record of either 11-22 or 11-23, highlighting their turbulent campaign. The Chicago Bulls find themselves in a slightly better, albeit unspectacular, position with a record of 16-17 or 17-17. History heavily favors the home team, as the Bulls have dominated recent meetings, winning eight of the last ten encounters. Chicago's strategy often involves a fast-paced game, aiming to push the tempo from the opening whistle.
Injury Report: A Deciding Factor
Injuries will cast a long shadow over this matchup, with both sides missing crucial contributors. The Charlotte Hornets' frontcourt is particularly depleted. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow sprain), forward Moussa Diabate (wrist), and guard Pat Connaughton (ankle soreness) are all listed as questionable. The team will definitely be without big men Mason Plumlee (groin) and Grant Williams (knee), who are ruled out.
The Chicago Bulls' situation is arguably more severe. Their injury list is long and impactful. Key players Zach Collins (toe), Josh Giddey (hamstring), and Coby White (calf) are out. Forwards Lachlan Olbrich (ankle) and Trentyn Flowers (knee) are questionable, while Emanuel Miller (hamstring) and Noa Essengue (shoulder, season) are also sidelined. Official lineups may change closer to game time pending updates.
Key Matchups and Game Expectations
With the Bulls' backcourt severely weakened, Hornets' star LaMelo Ball has a prime opportunity to control the game's perimeter play. Charlotte will also rely heavily on the scoring form of Brandon Miller. For Chicago, the onus for steady offensive production may fall on shooter Kevin Huerter. The battle in the paint, especially with Plumlee absent, will be critical; Miles Bridges will test Chicago's thin frontcourt, and rebounding could decide the outcome.
Sportsbooks project a tight affair, listing the Bulls as slight home favorites. The moneyline odds are -125 for Chicago, with the point spread hovering between Bulls -1.5 and -2.5. The total points over/under is set at a high 238.5, indicating expectations of an offensive game. While Chicago's home court gives them a narrow edge, Charlotte has been reliable against the spread this season.
How to Watch Hornets vs Bulls Live
Fans can catch the action on regional sports networks: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast for Hornets viewers and CHSN+ in Chicago. For streaming, options include Fubo, the ESPN app, and NBA League Pass for viewers outside the local markets. Radio listeners in Charlotte can tune in to WFNZ 92.7 FM and its affiliate stations for live commentary.
This January 3rd showdown is more than just a regular season game; it's a chance for two flawed but hungry teams to gain momentum. With depleted rosters, the stage is set for role players to step up and become unexpected heroes in what promises to be a closely fought contest at the United Center.
