Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 12 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Chicago Bulls head to the Spectrum Center in North Carolina on Friday for a rematch with the Charlotte Hornets. This is their second clash of the season, and the Hornets come in with the edge after taking the first meeting 123-116.

Both teams enter the contest looking to rebound from disappointing outings. Charlotte (7-17) suffered a 115-106 defeat to the Denver Nuggets, dropping to 12th in the East. Chicago (9-14), meanwhile, lost 123-91 to the Golden State Warriors, retaining 11th place in the standings.

This game also pairs two teams still searching for consistency. The Bulls have struggled away from home at 3-9, while the Hornets haven’t been much better in their own building at 5-7.

Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Bulls -142, Hornets +120

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Spread: Bulls -2.5 (-110), Hornets +2.5 (-110)

Total over/under (o/u): Bulls o233.5 (-115), Hornets u233.5 (-105)

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

Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets preview

The Chicago Bulls’ season has taken a sharp turn. After opening 5-0, they now find themselves on a seven-game skid, the longest active losing streak in the league.

Chicago’s slide stems largely from its defensive collapse. The Bulls sit in the bottom three, allowing 122.6 ppg, while their offense lands squarely in the middle of the league at 15th, averaging 117.3 ppg.

Amid an otherwise rough season, Josh Giddey has been one of the few bright spots. The guard has led the way for Chicago, averaging 20.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, and 8.9 apg. Coby White, who missed the start of the year, has also given the Bulls a lift, putting up 22.1 ppg in his five starts since returning.

On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets haven’t been much better overall, but they have shown signs of progress. After starting 2-8, they’ve gone 3-3 over their last six and will look to go up 2-0 against the Bulls this season.

However, they’ll still need to tighten up on both ends. Charlotte sits 21st in the league in scoring at 114.2 ppg, and their defense hasn’t held up either, allowing 118.3 ppg, which ranks 23rd in the NBA.

Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel have been their most consistent performers, appearing in all 24 games this season. Bridges leads the team in scoring, averaging 21.0 ppg, while Knueppel has chipped in with 18.0 ppg.

Both teams have been burdened with injuries and are set to miss a host of players for this matchup. Chicago will be without Noa Essengue, Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro, and Jalen Smith, while Coby White and John Collins remain questionable.

Charlotte faces its own setbacks, with LaMelo Ball, Pat Connaughton, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, and Grant Williams ruled out, and Moussa Diabate listed as probable.

Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets predicted starting fives

Chicago Bulls predicted starting five

PG- Josh Giddey, SG- Jevon Carter, SF- Julian Phillips, PF- Matas Buzelis, C- Nikola Vucevic

Charlotte Hornets predicted starting five

PG- KJ Simpson, SG- Kon Knueppel, SF- Brandon Miller, PF- Miles Bridges, C- Ryan Kalkbrenner

Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets betting tips

Nikola Vucevic is projected to score over 14.5 points. He is averaging 15.8 points per game.

Kon Knueppel is expected to score over 18.5 points. He is averaging 18.0 points per game.

Nikola Vucevic is expected to collect over 8.5 rebounds. He is averaging 9.4 rebounds per game.

Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets prediction

The Chicago Bulls enter as -2.5 favorites on the spread, but their seven-game skid and depleted bench make them vulnerable. Given Chicago’s form and Charlotte’s recent uptick, the Hornets have a realistic chance to pull off the upset.

Prediction: Hornets to win by 5 points or less

Edited by Arian Kashyap