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Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards: Preview, Predictions and Picks for January 1, 2025

Updated on:
Jan 1, 2025 7:38 PM
The Chicago Bulls, fresh off an overtime win, look to carry their momentum into the nation's capital as they face the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The Bulls, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, aim to build on their 1-0 series lead against the struggling Wizards, who are 15th in the conference with a 5-25 record. In this NBA matchup, Chicago's strong road record will be put to the test against Washington's struggling home performance.
Chicago Bulls vs Washington Wizards

Current Odds

CHI
WSH
Over
232.5
-115
Under
242.5
-114
CHI
+6.5
-109
WSH
+1.5
-135
CHI
ML
+250
WSH
ML
-120

Washington Wizards recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/30/24 vs New York Knicks L 126-106
12/28/24 vs New York Knicks L 136-132 OT
12/26/24 vs Charlotte Hornets W 113-110
12/23/24 @ Oklahoma City Thunder L 123-105
12/21/24 @ Milwaukee Bucks L 112-101

Chicago Bulls recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/30/24 @ Charlotte Hornets W 115-108 OT
12/28/24 vs Milwaukee Bucks W 116-111
12/26/24 @ Atlanta Hawks L 141-133
12/23/24 vs Milwaukee Bucks L 112-91
12/21/24 vs Boston Celtics L 123-98

Washington Wizards injuries

  • Carlton Carrington (G): Day-To-Day
  • Jordan Poole (SG): Day-To-Day
  • Marvin Bagley III (PF): Out
  • Saddiq Bey (SF): Out

Chicago Bulls injuries

  • Dalen Terry (F): Day-To-Day
  • Jalen Smith (PF): Day-To-Day
  • Torrey Craig (SF): Day-To-Day
  • Ayo Dosunmu (SG): Out
  • Zach LaVine (SG): Day-To-Day

Bulls vs Wizards game info

Type Info
Venue Capital One Arena
Location Washington, DC
Tip-off Wed 7:00 PM
TV MNMT

Bulls vs Wizards predictions

As we gear up for the Chicago Bulls' face-off against the Washington Wizards, one can’t help but keep an eye on the performance of Zach LaVine. Despite dealing with some toe soreness, he's expected to be a crucial player, potentially leading the charge with around 21 points, also dishing out some assists and grabbing crucial rebounds. Nikola Vucevic, that big man in the paint, looks set to dominate with approximately 23 points and a whopping 12 boards a game—a defensive titan. And let's not overlook Coby White, he's likely to add a spark with his knack for scoring and playmaking, possibly dropping around 18 points in the mix. Overall, it’s always interesting to see how these guys will sync to secure a win on the road, as they tend to do.

Turning our attention to the Washington Wizards, all eyes might be on Jordan Poole. He’s nursing a hip bruise, but he’s usually a strong contender in the role of a playmaker; chances are he’ll put up similar numbers to his average, staying in the ballpark of 21 points with a few dimes and steals. Kyle Kuzma is another player who might make some noise, doing a bit of everything on the court, both scoring and grabbing rebounds. Lastly, they might rely on Jonas Valanciunas to battle down low, possibly nearing a double-double with some hefty rebounding numbers. It seems like the Wizards will face an uphill battle, but you never know when they might surprise you with a cohesive team effort.

So the big question: who takes the win? The Bulls, riding high from their recent overtime victory, seem poised to continue their momentum. Keep in mind Chicago's encouraging road record of 10-7, but the Wizards have a knack for turning home-ground energy into spirited contests. Nevertheless, the odds and current form lean towards the Bulls snatching this win, though the Wizards playing at home can’t be discounted easily. What do you think—could this be a night where the underdogs rise, or will the Bulls assert their dominance again? Let’s watch and see, because, in the NBA, anything can happen.

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