Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Preview - Dec. 23 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Chicago Bulls head to State Farm Arena on Tuesday to take on the Atlanta Hawks in their final meeting of the season. Chicago has had the upper hand so far, winning both of the previous matchups, and will look to complete a season sweep in Georgia.

The game is the second night of a back-to-back after the Bulls’ thrilling 152–150 win on Sunday. That result moved Chicago to 10th in the East at 13–15, closing in on the ninth-placed Hawks (15–15).

The victory also lifted Chicago’s road record to 6–9, adding pressure on Atlanta to respond at home, where the Hawks have struggled this season with a 5–8 record.

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Bulls 154, Hawks -185

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Spread: Bulls +4.5 (-112), Hawks -4.5 (-108)

Total over/under (o/u): Bulls o254.5 (-115), Hawks u254.5 (-105)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks preview

The Chicago Bulls have started to build some rhythm following their seven-game losing streak. The team has won four of its last five games and is riding a three-game winning streak, which it hopes to extend on Tuesday.

The Bulls' recent surge is driven by a strong offense, scoring at least 125 points in four of their last five games, including 152 against Atlanta. They rank eighth in the NBA with an average of 119.5 ppg, but their defense struggles, allowing 123.0 ppg, the second-worst in the league.

Josh Giddey has been Chicago's most consistent player, recording 20.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 8.9 apg. However, Coby White has been a standout for the Bulls since returning from injury, averaging 21.2 points in 10 starts.

By contrast, the Hawks have had a tough December, winning just two of their nine games. They are currently on a three-game losing streak and have struggled to find any real momentum.

Despite leading the NBA in assists at 30.9 per game, the Hawks rank 10th offensively at 118.7 ppg. Defensively, they have been marginally better than Chicago, conceding 119.4 ppg, the league’s 26th-best mark.

Jalen Johnson remains their star performer this season, averaging 23.8 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 8.2 apg. Meanwhile, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has provided great support, recording 20.3 ppg.

Atlanta enters the game with more injury concerns, as Dyson Daniels, Kristaps Porzingis, N’Faly Dante, and Eli John Ndiaye are all ruled out, while Mouhamed Gueye is questionable. Chicago, by contrast, has just one absence, with Noa Essuenge sidelined.

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks predicted starting fives

Chicago Bulls predicted starting five

PG- Josh Giddey, SG- Coby White, SF- Isaac Okoro, PF- Matas Buzelis, C- Nikola Vucevic

Atlanta Hawks predicted starting five

PG- Trae Young, SG- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SF- Zacharrie Risacher, PF- Jalen Johnson, C- Kristaps Porzingis

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks betting tips

Josh Giddey is expected to score over 18.5 points. He is averaging 20.1 ppg this season.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker is projected to record over 18.5 points. He is averaging 20.3 ppg this season.

Nikola Vucevic is expected to collect over 8.5 rebounds. He is averaging 9.1 rpg this season.

Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks prediction

The Atlanta Hawks are -4.5 favorites on the spread, mainly due to their home court advantage. However, with their current run and growing list of injuries, the Bulls should secure the victory.

Prediction: Chicago to win by 5 points or less.

Edited by Arian Kashyap