Nuggets Edge Bulls in Thrilling Finish
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Ball Arena
Denver Nuggets 133, Chicago Bulls 128, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets beat Chicago Bulls 133-128 at Ball Arena on October 11, 2026.
Who was favored in Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets?
Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -265 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Chicago Bulls 133-128 at Ball Arena. This victory improves the Nuggets' record to 3-1, while the Bulls fall to 1-3. The game showcased a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and resilience.
The Nuggets entered the game with a solid home record of 2-1 and a recent form that has seen them win 9 of their last 10 games, averaging 125.9 points scored while allowing 116.4. Their last five games have been particularly impressive, with a record of 4-1 and an average of 121.0 points scored against 111.8 allowed. In contrast, the Bulls have struggled recently, with a record of 1-2 on the road and 3-7 over their last 10 games. They have averaged 114.9 points scored but have allowed a concerning 123.3 points per game during this stretch.
Historically, the matchup between these two teams has been competitive, with the all-time series standing at 1-1 for the current season. The Nuggets won their last encounter on February 8, 2026, with a score of 136-120, while the Bulls took the earlier meeting on November 18, 2025, winning 130-127.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Nuggets had Spencer Jones listed as day-to-day with a hamstring issue. The Bulls had multiple players in a similar situation, including Tre Jones (hip), Zach Collins (toe), Jaylin Sellers (back), and Nic Claxton (hamstring), all day-to-day, which could have impacted their performance.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, favored the Nuggets with a spread of -7.5, indicating expectations for a strong performance. The total points line was set at 235.5, reflecting the anticipated offensive capabilities of both teams.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams eager to make a statement. As the game progressed, viewers witnessed a series of critical scoring plays in the fourth quarter that kept the outcome in suspense. Key moments included free throws by DaRon Holmes II and Cam Whitmore, which ultimately secured the Nuggets' victory.
Fans watching the game were treated to a display of competitive spirit, with Denver's home advantage playing a crucial role in their success. The Nuggets' ability to execute down the stretch, particularly in free-throw situations, proved vital in sealing the win. Overall, this matchup highlighted the potential for both teams as the season unfolds, leaving fans eager for their next encounters.
What we said beforehand
The Denver Nuggets will face off against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena on October 12, 2026, in a matchup that promises to be intriguing given both teams' current records. Both the Nuggets and the Bulls enter this game with a record of 1-1, making this early-season clash a pivotal moment for both squads as they aim to establish momentum.
The Nuggets have shown a solid home performance historically, boasting a recent home record of 6-1 and an overall last ten games record of 9-1, with an average of 125.9 points scored and 116.4 points allowed. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Utah Jazz 117-106 in their most recent outing. Their last five games have seen them average 121.0 points scored while allowing 111.8 points, indicating a strong offensive presence at home.
Conversely, the Bulls have struggled in their recent form, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games and an away record of 2-3. They have averaged 114.9 points scored and 123.3 points allowed during this stretch. Their last five games have yielded a record of 2-3, with an average of 114.8 points scored and 121.0 points allowed. In their most recent game, the Bulls lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 100-104, which adds pressure as they look to bounce back against the Nuggets.
In terms of previous meetings, the two teams have faced each other twice in the 2026 season, with each team winning one game. The Bulls won the last matchup on February 8, 2026, with a score of 136-120, while the Nuggets lost the earlier meeting on November 18, 2025, by a score of 127-130. This recent history adds an interesting layer to their upcoming encounter, as both teams will be looking to assert dominance in this series.
Injury concerns could play a significant role in the game. The Nuggets have Spencer Jones listed as day-to-day with a hamstring issue, which could impact their lineup. The Bulls have multiple players on the injury report, including Matas Buzelis (ankle), Tre Jones (hip), Jalen Smith (foot), Zach Collins (toe), and Jaylin Sellers (back), all listed as day-to-day. The status of these players could greatly influence the game dynamics and the strategies employed by both teams.
The betting market has set the odds with the Nuggets favored to win by 7.5 points, according to DraftKings. The total points over/under is set at 234.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. The moneyline odds indicate the Nuggets at -265 and the Bulls at 215, reflecting the expectations of the market regarding the two teams' capabilities heading into this matchup.
As the game approaches, conditions at Ball Arena will be closely monitored, as they can affect gameplay. Fans and analysts alike will be watching for how the Nuggets utilize their home court advantage and how the Bulls respond to their recent struggles. With both teams looking to improve their early-season records, this matchup is set to be a compelling contest in the NBA.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -7.5 | 235.5 o -110 / u -110 | Chicago Bulls +215 · Denver Nuggets -265 |
Injury report
- Spencer JonesDay-To-DayHamstringDenver Nuggets
- Tre JonesDay-To-DayHipChicago Bulls
- Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
- Jaylin SellersDay-To-DayBackChicago Bulls
- Nic ClaxtonDay-To-DayHamstringChicago Bulls
Leaders
- PointsAaron Gordon25Denver Nuggets
- AssistsNikola Jokic10Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic11Denver Nuggets
- PointsLeonard Miller26Chicago Bulls
- AssistsJosh Giddey8Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsLeonard Miller7Chicago Bulls
Recent form
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W1125.9 scored · 116.4 allowed per game6-1 at home
- W117-106at Utah JazzOct 7
- L97-109vs Utah JazzOct 4
- W128-118at San Antonio SpursApr 13
- W127-107vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 11
- W136-119vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 9
- W137-132vs Portland Trail BlazersApr 7
- W136-134vs San Antonio SpursApr 4
- W130-117at Utah JazzApr 2
- W116-93vs Golden State WarriorsMar 30
- W135-129vs Utah JazzMar 28
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 3-7Streak L1114.9 scored · 123.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- L100-104vs Memphis GrizzliesOct 10
- W124-117vs Phoenix SunsOct 8
- L128-149at Dallas MavericksApr 13
- L103-127vs Orlando MagicApr 11
- W119-108at Washington WizardsApr 9
- W129-98at Washington WizardsApr 7
- L110-120vs Phoenix SunsApr 5
- L96-136at New York KnicksApr 3
- L126-145vs Indiana PacersApr 2
- L114-129at San Antonio SpursMar 31
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | - | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Indiana | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Detroit | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Chicago | 0.5 | 2 | L2 | .333 | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 0.5 | 2 | L1 | .333 | 1 |
| Portland | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Minnesota | - | 1 | W1 | .667 | 2 |
| Denver | - | 1 | W2 | .667 | 2 |
| Utah | 0.5 | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Oklahoma City | 1.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Chicago Bulls | Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 47-93 | 44-87 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 21-50 | 13-32 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 41 |
| Free throws | 13-18 | 32-46 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 32 |
| Assists | 34 | 26 |
| Steals | 8 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 52 |
| Fouls | 31 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 50 | 39 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter91-91Orlando Robinson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter91-93Julian Strawther makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter91-95Tyus Jones makes 2-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter94-95Josh Giddey makes 26-foot three pointer (Patrick Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter94-97Bryce Hopkins makes 2-foot dunk (Tyus Jones assists)
- 3rd Quarter94-99Alpha Diallo makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter94-102Julian Strawther makes 24-foot three point jumper (DaRon Holmes II assists)
- 4th Quarter97-102Jordan Hawkins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter97-105Julian Strawther makes 28-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter100-105Jordan Hawkins makes 28-foot three point jumper (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter100-107DaRon Holmes II makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter102-107Caleb Wilson makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (Josh Giddey assists)
- 4th Quarter104-107Caleb Wilson makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-109Bryce Hopkins makes 4-foot two point shot (Tyus Jones assists)
- 4th Quarter104-110Bryce Hopkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-111Bryce Hopkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-111Leonard Miller makes layup (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 4th Quarter108-111Leonard Miller makes layup (Patrick Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter108-114Julian Strawther makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter111-114Leonard Miller makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter111-115DaRon Holmes II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-115Leonard Miller makes 2-foot layup (Patrick Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter113-117Trevon Brazile makes 2-foot layup (Cam Whitmore assists)
- 4th Quarter113-119Ryan Nembhard makes 12-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter115-119Patrick Williams makes 1-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter117-119Orlando Robinson makes 2-foot layup (Noa Essengue assists)
- 4th Quarter117-122DaRon Holmes II makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bryce Hopkins assists)
- 4th Quarter120-122Jalen Bridges makes 27-foot three point jumper (Orlando Robinson assists)
- 4th Quarter120-124Cam Whitmore makes dunk (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter122-124Noa Essengue makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter122-126DaRon Holmes II makes 2-foot dunk (Ryan Nembhard assists)
- 4th Quarter125-126Orlando Robinson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Drew Peterson assists)
- 4th Quarter125-127Bryce Hopkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-128DaRon Holmes II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-129DaRon Holmes II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-130Trevon Brazile makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-131Ryan Nembhard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-131Drew Peterson makes 28-foot three pointer (Orlando Robinson assists)
- 4th Quarter128-132Cam Whitmore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter128-133Cam Whitmore makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Nuggets, below favours Chicago Bulls.
Venue
- Ball ArenaDenver, CO
- OfficialsBill Kennedy, Brent Haskill, Mark Lindsay, Eric Dalen, Biniam Maru
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These two, other days
- Nuggets Defeat Bulls 136-120 at United CenterFeb 7, 2026
- Bulls Edge Nuggets in Thrilling Finish at Ball ArenaNov 17, 2025
- Nuggets Edge Bulls in Competitive MatchupOct 14, 2025