Bulls vs Jazz Odds, Starting Lineup, Injury Report, Predictions, TV Channel for Jan. 7

Last year, the Chicago Bulls overcame a litany of injuries to post a record of 46-36 and looked on the up and up in the Eastern Conference. The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, initiated a fire sale of the veteran talent, jettisoning Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Royce O’Neale for as many picks and young assets as they could get their hands on.

Yet, through some odd force of nature, the Jazz find themselves with a better record than the Bulls nearly halfway through the 2022-23 season. With both teams clinging to a play-in position in their conference, expect fireworks tonight as both squads look to improve their playoff odds.

Although the Bulls got the win the last time these two teams played each other this season, the 114-107 end result was a little too close for comfort. Lauri Markkanen exploded for 32 points and 9 rebounds while hitting a jaw-dropping 7 threes. With his All-Star campaign in full swing, he’ll look to replicate that success tonight.

Here’s everything you need to know before tonight’s game tips off.

How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz

• Date: January 7, 2023
• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m CT
• Where: United Center, Chicago, IL
• Watch: NBC Sports Chicago, NBA TV
• Stream: FuboTV

Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz, Spread, Over/Under

• Favorite: Jazz (-1.5)
• Over/under: 237 points
• Moneyline: +104 Chicago/-122 Utah

Gambling odds and information courtesy of FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. Displayed odds current as of Saturday at 9:00 a.m. CT.

Projected Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup and Injury Report

• PG: Ayo Dosunmu
• SG: Zach LaVine
• SF: DeMar DeRozan
• PF: Patrick Williams
• C: Nikola Vucevic
• IR: Out – Lonzo Ball, Javonte Green, Tony Bradley; Questionable – Alex Caruso

The Bulls continue to be without a pair of key reserves in Green and Caruso as of late, as the former is expected to miss at least another week while the latter missed last night’s contest against Philadelphia. Utah isn’t without their own struggles, as promising young guard Collin Sexton won’t be available for tonight’s matchup.

Game Predictions

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but betting against the Chicago Bulls has been looking like an increasingly bad idea as of late. The Jazz have been one of the NBA’s feel-good stories of the year, but it remains to be seen if the Bulls will play to the level of their competition tonight, or if they’ll play to the level their competition was supposed to be at entering the year. If Chicago can weather the inevitable storm from Lauri Markkanen, I like their odds here at home.

My Predictions: (18-21)

Bulls Upcoming Games

• Jan. 9 @ Boston Celtics (27-12)
• Jan. 11 @ Washington Wizards (17-23)
• Jan. 13 vs Oklahoma City Thunder (17-22)