The Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls matchup is one of 10 NBA games scheduled on Monday. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams in the 2025-26 regular season. Back on January 13, the Rockets defeated the Bulls 119-113.
Heading into this matchup, the Rockets (43-27) are looking to move closer to homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs as they occupy the no. 4 spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Bulls (28-42) are likely out of contention for even the play-in tournament.
Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls Odds
Moneyline: Rockets (-355) vs Bulls (+280)
Spread: Rockets (-7.5) vs Bulls (+7.5)
Total: Rockets -108 (o229.5) vs Bulls -112 (u229.5)
Editor’s note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls Preview and Prediction
After back-to-back losses to the LA Lakers, the Rockets bounced back with two consecutive wins over two Eastern Conference squads. This past Friday, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks 117-95; 24 hours later, they pulled off a thrilling 123-122 victory over the Miami Heat.
In the game against Miami, Kevin Durant (27 points, three rebounds, three assists) made history by surpassing Michael Jordan for no. 5 on the list of all-time scoring leaders. Amen Thompson added 24 points, including the tip-in at the buzzer to give the Rockets a one-point win. Reed Sheppard came up strong with a double-double performance of 23 points and 14 assists.
Though the Bulls had some positivity going on last week with a 132-107 rout of the Memphis Grizzlies, their losing ways continued as they have now dropped four of their last five outings. Following the win over the Grizzlies, the Bulls were blown out by the Toronto Raptors 139-109 last Wednesday.
Then, on Thursday, they suffered a 115-110 defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this game, Tre Jones topscored for the Bulls as he put up 20 points on 50.0% shooting from the field. Nick Richards chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds, while Matas Buzelis had 13 points, five boards, and three steals.
Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls Injury Reports
Rockets injury report
The two players on the Rockets’ injury report are Fred VanVleet (ACL) and Steven Adams (ankle), both of whom have been ruled out for the season.
Bulls injury report
Meanwhile, there are seven players on the Bulls’ injury report. Isaac Okoro (knee) and Guerschon Yabusele (ankle) have been ruled as day-to-day, while the trio of Anfernee Simons (wrist), Jalen Smith (calf), and Jaden Ivey (knee) have been ruled as questionable. As for Noa Essengue (shoulder) and Zach Collins (toe), they are out for the season.
Houston Rockets vs Chicago Bulls Starting Lineups
Rockets starting lineup
PG: Reed Sheppard | SG: Amen Thompson | SF: Kevin Durant | PF: Jabari Smith Jr. | C: Alperen Sengun
Bulls starting lineup
PG: Josh Giddey | SG: Tre Jones | SF: Collin Sexton | PF: Matas Buzelis | C: Nick Richards
