If you’re wondering do the Bulls play today, the answer is a big yes. They’re back at the Madhouse on Madison.
Tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Chicago Bulls are taking on the Brooklyn Nets at the United Center. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM CST.
It’s the second half of a home-and-home series against Brooklyn. Honestly, these games are always a bit of a toss-up, but the Bulls are sitting at 19-21 and desperately need to claw back toward .500 before the All-Star break. Brooklyn is struggling at 11-27, which makes this exactly the kind of "trap game" that Chicago fans have learned to fear over the years.
Everything you need to know about the Bulls game today
The atmosphere in Chicago is pretty electric right now, mostly because the team is ramping up for the Derrick Rose jersey retirement later this month. But before we get to the nostalgia, there's a game to win.
You’ve got a few ways to catch the action. If you aren't heading down to the United Center, the game is airing locally on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). For those out of market, it’s the usual NBA League Pass setup.
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The betting lines opened with the Bulls as 6-point favorites. That feels about right given Brooklyn's recent road woes—they've lost four straight away from home. But if you're a Bulls fan, you know "comfortable leads" aren't really in the vocabulary this season.
Injury report and projected lineups
The health of the roster is always the million-dollar question. Lately, the Bulls have been leaning heavily on their expiring contracts, and the trade rumors are swirling like a lakefront wind. Arturas Karnisovas is reportedly "aggressively shopping" Patrick Williams, which adds a weird layer of tension to every minute he spends on the floor.
Projected Starters for Chicago:
- Josh Giddey
- Coby White
- Zach LaVine
- Patrick Williams
- Nikola Vucevic
For Brooklyn, keep an eye on Michael Porter Jr. (if he's suited up for them in this 2026 timeline) or whoever they've got leading the charge. They’re coming off a heartbreaking 116-113 loss to the Pelicans where they shot decent from deep but couldn't buy a bucket at the free-throw line.
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Why this specific matchup matters
Look, it’s January. The "dog days" of the NBA season. But for a team like Chicago, these mid-winter matchups are where the season is won or lost.
If they can’t beat an 11-win Nets team at home, the front office might finally pull the trigger on a full-scale rebuild. We’ve been hearing about "continuity" for years. Fans are tired of it. You’re probably tired of it.
The United Center gates open at 4:30 PM CST. If you’re driving, remember that the Uber Zone is now consolidated into Lot E. Don't try to get dropped off at the old spots on Wood or Monroe; security will just shoo you away.
Key Stats to Watch
- Rebounding: The Nets gave up 53 boards in their last outing. Vucevic should have a field day if he stays aggressive.
- Three-Point Defense: Brooklyn shot 16-of-43 from deep against New Orleans. If the Bulls' perimeter defense is lazy, this game stays close way longer than it should.
- The Bench: Ayo Dosunmu has been a spark plug lately. His energy is usually the difference between a sluggish start and a blowout.
How to get to the United Center
Traffic on a Sunday in Chicago is usually manageable, but the West Loop is always a mess near game time.
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- CTA: The Blue Line to Illinois Medical District is a solid 10-minute walk. The Green and Pink lines to Ashland are about 12 minutes.
- Parking: Expect to pay anywhere from $32 in Lot G to over $60 in the Green Lots.
- Rideshare: Use the aforementioned Lot E. It’s the only way to avoid the headache of road closures around the arena.
Looking ahead at the schedule
If you can’t make it to see the Bulls play today, the home stand continues this week.
On Tuesday, January 20, the LA Clippers come to town. Then, the schedule gets brutal. They head to Minnesota on Thursday before returning for a massive game against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, January 24. That Saturday game is actually the night they retire Derrick Rose’s #1 jersey, so tickets are already pushing $220 for the cheap seats.
Today is a much more affordable way to see some pro hoops, with some tickets floating around the $24 mark on the secondary market.
Basically, it’s a standard Sunday night in Chicago. A little cold, a lot of hope, and a basketball game that could go either way.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check CHSN at 5:30 PM for the pre-game show.
- If you're going to the game, download your tickets to your mobile wallet before you get to the gate to avoid the "no signal" panic.
- Keep an eye on the late injury scratch reports; in 2026, load management is still very much a thing.