NBA · Final

Hornets Defeat Bulls in Chicago Showdown

Charlotte Hornets12-23

112

Chicago Bulls17-18

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · United Center

Charlotte Hornets 112, Chicago Bulls 99, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls?

Charlotte Hornets beat Chicago Bulls 112-99 at United Center on January 3, 2026.

Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls?

Chicago Bulls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.

In a notable matchup at the United Center, the Charlotte Hornets triumphed over the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 112 to 99. This victory marks Charlotte's third win in four meetings against the Bulls in the current season, extending their lead in the series to 3-1. The Hornets have demonstrated resilience, especially given their recent struggles, while the Bulls faced challenges in maintaining their home dominance.

The Bulls entered the game with a home record of 17-18, having shown a strong performance recently with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games. They had won their previous two games, scoring an average of 121.3 points while allowing 120.5. Their last five games reflected a slight dip in scoring, with an average of 113.6 points scored and 116.4 points allowed. Chicago's recent victories included wins against the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans, but they also suffered losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks.

On the other hand, the Hornets came into the game with a record of 12-23 and a more challenging recent form, having lost three consecutive games. Their last ten games yielded a record of 4-6, with an average of 120.1 points scored and 120.8 points allowed. Their last victory was against the Orlando Magic, but they had also faced defeats against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors.

In terms of home and away performances, the Bulls had a home record of 4-3 in their last ten games, while the Hornets struggled with a 2-3 away record in the same span. The Bulls had been particularly strong at home prior to this game, but the Hornets capitalized on their recent form to secure the win.

Injury concerns were present for both teams. The Bulls had several players listed as day-to-day, including Dailyn Swain (wrist), Zach Collins (toe), Josh Giddey (ankle), and Rob Dillingham (wrist). The Hornets also had Brandon Miller (shoulder) and PJ Hall (ankle) listed as day-to-day, which added an element of uncertainty to their lineup.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Bulls favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 241.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Hornets' performance ultimately defied expectations.

The game conditions were typical for a January evening in Chicago, with the atmosphere charged as fans filled the United Center to support their team. Viewers were treated to a display of skill, particularly from LaMelo Ball, who contributed significantly to the Hornets' offense in the fourth quarter.

As the game progressed, the Bulls struggled to keep pace with the Hornets, who executed their plays effectively. The scoring plays in the fourth quarter highlighted Charlotte's offensive prowess, with key contributions from players like Kevin Huerter and LaMelo Ball, who made crucial shots to extend their lead.

In conclusion, the Hornets' victory over the Bulls not only showcased their ability to perform under pressure but also highlighted the Bulls' ongoing struggles at home. With the series now leaning in favor of Charlotte, both teams will look to adjust as they continue through the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CHI -2.5	241.5 o -105 / u -115	Charlotte Hornets +114 · Chicago Bulls -135

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Dailyn SwainDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
Josh GiddeyDay-To-DayAnkleChicago Bulls
Rob DillinghamDay-To-DayWristChicago Bulls
Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets

Leaders

PointsNikola Vucevic28Chicago Bulls
AssistsNikola Vucevic8Chicago Bulls
ReboundsKevin Huerter11Chicago Bulls
PointsMiles Bridges26Charlotte Hornets
AssistsLaMelo Ball7Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsMiles Bridges14Charlotte Hornets

Recent form

Chicago Bulls

Last 10: 7-3Streak W2121.3 scored · 120.5 allowed per game4-3 at home

W121-114vs Orlando MagicJan 3
W134-118vs New Orleans PelicansJan 1
L101-136vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 30
L103-112vs Milwaukee BucksDec 28
W109-102vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 27
W126-123at Atlanta HawksDec 24
W152-150at Atlanta HawksDec 21
W136-125at Cleveland CavaliersDec 20
W127-111vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 18
L104-114vs New Orleans PelicansDec 15

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 4-6Streak L3120.1 scored · 120.8 allowed per game2-3 away

L121-122at Milwaukee BucksJan 3
L125-132vs Golden State WarriorsDec 31
L113-123vs Milwaukee BucksDec 30
W120-105at Orlando MagicDec 27
W126-109vs Washington WizardsDec 24
L132-139at Cleveland CavaliersDec 23
L86-112at Detroit PistonsDec 21
W133-126vs Atlanta HawksDec 19
W119-111at Cleveland CavaliersDec 14
L126-129vs Chicago BullsDec 13

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Atlanta	-	36	L1	.561	46
Orlando	1	37	L1	.549	45
Charlotte	2	38	W1	.537	44
Miami	3	39	W2	.524	43
Washington	29	65	L10	.207	17
Detroit	-	22	W3	.732	60
Cleveland	8	30	W1	.634	52
Milwaukee	28	50	L1	.390	32
Chicago	29	51	L2	.378	31
Indiana	41	63	L2	.232	19

Box score

Stat	Charlotte Hornets	Chicago Bulls
Field goals	39-91	39-87
Field goal %	43	45
Three-pointers	15-41	11-41
Three-point %	37	27
Free throws	19-23	10-14
Free throw %	83	71
Rebounds	52	43
Offensive rebounds	13	6
Defensive rebounds	39	37
Assists	23	32
Steals	7	9
Blocks	3	5
Turnovers	11	11
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	12	16
Fast-break points	18	6
Points in the paint	46	52
Fouls	12	16
Largest lead	18	15
Lead changes	12	12
Time in front	49	48

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter67-65Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter66-65Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter67-65Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter70-65Miles Bridges makes 26-foot running jump shot (Sion James assists)
3rd Quarter73-65Miles Bridges makes 28-foot running jump shot (Collin Sexton assists)
3rd Quarter76-65Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 1
3rd Quarter76-66Nikola Vucevic makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter76-68Nikola Vucevic makes 4-foot two point shot (Ayo Dosunmu assists)
3rd Quarter76-71Nikola Vucevic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Jones assists)
3rd Quarter79-71Brandon Miller makes 29-foot three point jumper (Liam McNeeley assists)
3rd Quarter79-73Nikola Vucevic makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Kevin Huerter assists)
3rd Quarter82-73Brandon Miller makes 25-foot three point jumper (Josh Green assists)
3rd Quarter82-75Ayo Dosunmu makes 2-foot two point shot
4th Quarter84-75LaMelo Ball makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter86-75PJ Hall makes layup (Brandon Miller assists)
4th Quarter86-77Matas Buzelis makes layup (Nikola Vucevic assists)
4th Quarter86-80Nikola Vucevic makes 24-foot three point jumper
4th Quarter89-80Brandon Miller makes 25-foot three point jumper (Josh Green assists)
4th Quarter89-83Matas Buzelis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Jones assists)
4th Quarter90-83Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter92-83Kon Knueppel makes two point shot
4th Quarter92-85Tre Jones makes driving layup
4th Quarter94-85Miles Bridges makes driving layup
4th Quarter95-85Miles Bridges makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter95-87Tre Jones makes two point shot
4th Quarter96-87Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter97-87Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter98-87Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter100-87Collin Sexton makes driving layup (Sion James assists)
4th Quarter103-87Sion James makes 23-foot three pointer (Collin Sexton assists)
4th Quarter105-87Brandon Miller makes 11-foot two point shot
4th Quarter105-89Nikola Vucevic makes 7-foot two point shot (Tre Jones assists)
4th Quarter105-90Matas Buzelis makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter105-93Kevin Huerter makes 22-foot three point jumper (Matas Buzelis assists)
4th Quarter105-95Nikola Vucevic makes 1-foot layup (Kevin Huerter assists)
4th Quarter107-95Brandon Miller makes two point shot
4th Quarter107-97Tre Jones makes running layup
4th Quarter110-97LaMelo Ball makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kon Knueppel assists)
4th Quarter112-97LaMelo Ball makes running dunk
4th Quarter112-99Tre Jones makes driving layup