Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets – Starting Lineups, Injury News, How to Watch

The Chicago Bulls know that a meeting with the Brooklyn Nets can not be taken lightly.

Not only has Michael Porter Jr. turned into one of the NBA's elite scorers this season, but Brooklyn is a team that loves to create a math problem. The Bulls fell victim to this during their last meeting, losing the battle behind the arc a staggering 57-21.

The good news is that they managed to dominate both in the fastbreak and on the offensive glass, but that matters a whole lot less when you can't keep up from downtown. Running Brooklyn off the three-point line will be one key to victory tonight, as will shooting a higher clip themselves. Fortunately, they are fresh off a 17-43 shooting night against the Utah Jazz, so might some of the momentum carry over?

If one thing is for sure, the Bulls have to move the ball better tonight. They fell stagnant against Brooklyn during that December slump, dishing a season-low 20 assists. While I wouldn't deem the Nets' defense a full-out disaster with Nic Claxton manning center, their perimeter defense is nothing to write home about. The Bulls have to be better at getting into their offense and creating open looks tonight.

How to Watch

Who: Chicago Bulls (19-21) at Brooklyn Nets (11-27)
Where: Barclay's Center
When: 6:30 P.M. CT
Watch: Chicago Sports Network

Projected Starting Lineups

Chicago Bulls

1. Tre Jones
2. Coby White
3. Matas Buzelis
4. Isaac Okoro
5. Nikola Vucevic

Brooklyn Nets

1. Ego Demin
2. Drake Powell
3. Michael Porter Jr.
4. Noah Clowney
5. Nic Claxton

Injury News

Kevin Huerter of the Chicago Bulls — Jan 14, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Kevin Huerter (13) drives to the basket against Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (8) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls' Kevin Huerter remains listed with a hip injury for Chicago. However, the swingman has continued to play through bumps and bruises in recent weeks and hasn't missed a game since the December 12 meeting with Charlotte.

Huerter has also continued to be a key part of the second unit. He's posted double-digit points in three straight games, and he's also picked up a combined 5 steals over those performances. Even with his three-ball not falling at the rate many have grown accustomed to, Huerter has shown he can make a positive impact.

Meanwhile, the Bulls could be without Julian Phillips again. The young and springy forward has missed the previous two games with a wrist injury. While he was mainly out of the rotation this season, he started to carve out a role with five-straight appearances before tweaking his wrist. When we consider that the Nets have no lack of length at the wing position, having Phillips return tonight could be a plus.

Chicago Bulls Injury Report

Kevin Huerter – PROBABLE (hip)
Julian Phillips – QUESTIONABLE (wrist)
Zach Collins – OUT (toe)
Coby White – OUT (injury management)

Brooklyn Nets

Zaire Williams – OUT (conditioning)
Haywood Highsmith – OUT (knee)