LA Clippers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction | 01.20.26

LA Clippers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 20-01-2026

The NBA regular season brings us a compelling mid-season clash on January 20, 2026, as the LA Clippers (19-23) travel to the United Center to face the Chicago Bulls (20-22) at 8:00 PM EST. Both teams find themselves hovering around the .500 mark, battling for playoff positioning in their respective conferences, making this matchup crucial for momentum.

LA Clippers vs Chicago Bulls Matchup Preview

LA Clippers Key Stats & Trends

The LA Clippers arrive in Chicago severely hobbled by injuries, yet still possess individual brilliance. Their offensive engine, James Harden, has been exceptional, averaging a robust 25.8 points and 8.1 assists per game, alongside 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks. His ability to control the pace and create scoring opportunities will be paramount. Inside, Ivica Zubac remains a dominant force on the glass, leading the team with 10.8 rebounds per contest. Despite these individual efforts, the Clippers’ depth and overall scoring punch are significantly compromised, impacting their recent performance.

Injury Report LA Clippers

• Kawhi Leonard (Out): Leonard will not play during the final two games of the Clippers’ road trip due to left knee irritation.
• Bogdan Bogdanovic (Out): Bogdanovic (hamstring) will not travel on the Clippers’ upcoming three-game road trip.
• Derrick Jones Jr. (Out): Jones has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee and will be re-evaluated in six weeks.
• Bradley Beal (Out): Beal will undergo season-ending surgery on his left hip.

Chicago Bulls Key Stats & Trends

The Chicago Bulls, despite a slightly better record, also face their own challenges. Nikola Vucevic anchors their frontcourt, contributing a solid 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, along with 3.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks. He remains a consistent double-double threat. Tre Jones has taken on a significant playmaking role, leading the team with 5.7 assists per contest. The Bulls rely on a balanced attack, but their overall offensive efficiency can be inconsistent, often struggling to find a consistent secondary scorer alongside Vucevic.

Injury Report Chicago Bulls

• Patrick Williams (Day-to-day): Williams is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Clippers with a sprained right ankle.
• Josh Giddey (Out): Giddey (hamstring) is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Clippers.
• Zach Collins (Out): Head coach Billy Donovan said he doesn’t think Collins (toe) will return before the All-Star break, which begins Feb. 13.
• Noa Essengue (Out): Essengue will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

LA Clippers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Best Bet

This contest pits a severely depleted Clippers squad, reliant on James Harden’s heroics, against a Bulls team with its own injury woes but more of its core intact. The absence of Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, and Bogdan Bogdanovic removes significant scoring and defensive prowess from the Clippers. While Harden’s 25.8 PPG and 8.1 APG are elite, he faces an uphill battle to carry the offensive load alone. The Bulls, despite Patrick Williams and Josh Giddey being questionable, have Nikola Vucevic (17.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG) providing a steady presence. Given the Clippers’ extensive injury list, the Bulls, playing at home, present a challenging matchup. However, the spread acknowledges Harden’s ability to keep games tight. We predict the Clippers will fight hard and cover the spread.

Predicted Winner: LA Clippers +3.5 (Spread)

Considering the severe offensive firepower missing from the Clippers, coupled with the potential absences for the Bulls, a high-scoring affair seems unlikely. Both teams will likely struggle for consistent offensive rhythm.

Total Points: Under 226.5