Portland Trail Blazers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.26.26

Portland Trail Blazers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.26.26

As the NBA regular season enters its critical final stretch, the Portland Trail Blazers (28-31) travel to the United Center to face the Chicago Bulls (24-35) on February 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Both teams are navigating significant roster instability, but Portland’s veteran leadership faces a Chicago squad currently decimated by long-term injuries to their core rotation.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Chicago Bulls Matchup Preview

Portland Trail Blazers Key Stats & Trends

The Trail Blazers have leaned heavily on Jerami Grant (18.6 PPG) to carry the offensive load in the absence of their primary stars. Defensively, rookie Donovan Clingan has been a revelation, anchoring the paint with 11.5 rebounds per game. While Caleb Love (2.7 APG) manages the backcourt tempo, the steadying hand of Jrue Holiday remains Portland’s most vital asset, contributing 15.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 6.3 APG, and 1.2 SPG. Portland’s ability to win depends on their veteran poise against a younger, thinner Bulls lineup.

Injury Report Portland Trail Blazers

• Deni Avdija (Out): Avdija (back) will remain on the inactive list for Thursday’s game in Chicago.
• Robert Williams III (Day-to-day): Williams (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against Chicago.
• Shaedon Sharpe (Out): Sharpe (calf) will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks, per Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland.
• Damian Lillard (Out): Lillard (Achilles) defeated Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel in the final round of Saturday’s 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest, taking home his third title.

Chicago Bulls Key Stats & Trends

The Bulls are essentially the Josh Giddey show right now. Giddey leads the team in nearly every major category, averaging 17.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 8.4 APG. While his triple-double threat keeps Chicago competitive, the lack of supporting fire-power is glaring. With several key scorers sidelined, Chicago’s offensive rating has plummeted, forcing Giddey to play high-usage minutes that often lead to late-game fatigue.

Injury Report Chicago Bulls

• Patrick Williams (Day-to-day): Williams is doubtful for Thursday’s game versus the Trail Blazers due to a right quad strain.
• Jalen Smith (Out): Smith (calf) is officially listed as doubtful for Thursday’s game against Portland.
• Anfernee Simons (Out): Simons has been diagnosed with a fractured left wrist, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.
• Zach Collins (Out): Collins will undergo surgery for a sprain right toe and will be sidelined for the rest of the 2025-26 season.
• Jaden Ivey (Out): Ivey will have his left knee injury reevaluated by medical staff in two weeks.
• Noa Essengue (Out): Essengue will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Best Bet

Despite Portland missing Lillard, Chicago’s injury report is catastrophic. Losing Ivey, Simons, and Collins leaves the Bulls without secondary playmaking and frontcourt depth. We predict the winner will be Portland Trail Blazers -3.5 (Spread). Expect a high-paced game where defense is secondary; therefore, the best bet for the total is the over on 235.5 points, as both teams struggle with interior rotations.