Betting tips from AI for Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets, 04 January 2026.

Bookmakers favor the Chicago Bulls at 1.70, but I see real value backing the Charlotte Hornets at 2.20 with a $1 stake. The Bulls' recent form looks strong on paper, but losing Coby White, Josh Giddey and Zach Collins strips Chicago of playmaking and interior toughness; that erosion narrows the gap more than the market suggests.

Miles Bridges is expected to play and becomes the clear alpha for Charlotte, and although the Hornets have their own absences, they match up well against a depleted Chicago front and can dictate tempo. With the Bulls’ edge overblown by home bias and recent wins, the Hornets at +120 offer the better risk/reward.

This NBA clash between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets at the United Center promises to be a gritty affair, with the Bulls entering as favorites at 1.70. Despite a mixed bag of recent results, including big wins against the Pelicans and Hawks, Chicago is pushing hard for the playoffs, evidenced by their impressive seven wins in their last ten outings. Top bookies are firmly backing the Bulls to prevail on their home court.

However, this isn't a straightforward pick. The Bulls are severely hampered by injuries, with key players Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Zach Collins all sidelined, leaving their backcourt and frontcourt significantly depleted. The Hornets, while also dealing with absences like Mason Plumlee, appear less impacted, with Miles Bridges expected to lead the charge. Charlotte's season has been dismal at 11-22, though they did manage recent wins against Orlando and Washington.

DRatings predicts a true nail-biter, with the Bulls narrowly edging the Hornets 120.6-119.4. While xaslarbet sees a more comfortable 114-106 Bulls victory, the injury report suggests the closer outcome is more likely. Even with their injury woes, the Bulls' home-court advantage and playoff aspirations should provide enough motivation to secure a hard-fought win against a struggling Hornets squad. They might not cover a large spread, but a victory is within reach.

The Bulls enter this matchup as 1.70 favorites, and for good reason. Despite being hampered by injuries to key players like Coby White and Josh Giddey, Chicago has shown resilience with recent victories over the Pelicans and Hawks. Their interior defense should be the difference-maker against a Hornets squad that's struggling to find consistency.

Charlotte limps in with a dismal 11-22 record, having dropped recent games to Milwaukee and Golden State. While the Hornets' 2.20 underdog status offers tempting value, their depleted frontcourt without Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kalkbrenner severely limits their chances at the United Center.

Analysts at xaslarbet project a 114-106 Bulls victory, which aligns with the betting market's assessment. With Chicago winning seven of their last ten and pushing for a playoff spot, they should have enough firepower to cover the spread at home, even with their injury concerns. Expect the Bulls to control the paint and secure a comfortable win.

The Chicago Bulls host the Charlotte Hornets in a matchup that screams grit and grind at the United Center. Both teams are nursing wounds from rough starts, but the Bulls' home-court edge and recent hot streak—seven wins in their last 10, including triumphs over the Pelicans and Hawks—give them the upper hand. DRatings sees a razor-thin 120.6-119.4 Bulls victory, while xaslarbet predicts a more decisive 114-106 hold, crediting Chicago's stout interior defense to neutralize Charlotte's attack.

Injuries sting both sides: the Bulls are without Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Zach Collins, thinning their backcourt and frontcourt. The Hornets counter with absences like Mason Plumlee and Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Moussa Diabate questionable, though Miles Bridges should carry the load. Still, Charlotte's 11-22 record and recent losses to Golden State and Milwaukee highlight their struggles on the road.

Bookies favor the Bulls at 1.70, reflecting a 53% win probability to snap any skid and push toward playoffs. With the Hornets at 2.20, this feels like value on Chicago's resilience. Expect a high-scoring battle, but the Bulls pull through in a thriller.

This NBA clash at the United Center promises a tight contest, with DRatings forecasting a high-scoring nail-biter. The Bulls, favored at 1.70, are reeling from key injuries to Coby White and Zach Collins, depleting their rotation.
Meanwhile, the Hornets at 2.20 have Miles Bridges expected to gut it out, offering a reliable scoring punch against a vulnerable Chicago defense. Charlotte's recent steals against Orlando and Washington show upset potential, making the plus-money odds valuable in a game where injuries could tip the scales.

This matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets shapes up as a tightly contested battle, but the Bulls hold a slight edge despite their injury woes. While both teams are struggling through uneven stretches, Chicago’s home-court advantage could prove decisive. The Bulls have managed seven wins in their last 10 games, showcasing resilience even without key contributors like Coby White and Zach Collins. Their interior defense has been a focal point, and it might neutralize Charlotte’s attack, especially with Mason Plumlee sidelined for the Hornets.

Charlotte enters this contest on shaky ground, dropping recent games to Golden State and Milwaukee. Though Miles Bridges is expected to play, his leadership alone may not be enough against a Bulls squad fighting for playoff positioning. Analyst predictions lean toward Chicago, with DRatings projecting a high-scoring affair favoring the Bulls by a slim margin. At odds of 1.70, Chicago isn’t offering much value, but their consistency at home makes them the safer pick.

On the other hand, betting on the Hornets at 2.20 is tempting given their potential to exploit Chicago’s depleted roster. However, their road struggles and lack of depth make this a risky proposition. With both teams desperate for a win, the Bulls’ grit and experience in close games give them the upper hand in what should be an entertaining showdown.