The Bulls' transition from the year 2025 to 2026 has been middling. They ended 2025 by bouncing back against the New Orleans Pelicans after getting blown out at home by the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing two key players in the process. Then, they opened the new year with a convincing win over the Orlando Magic, but had to settle for a split on the back end of a back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets.
Monday, Dec 30 2025: 136–101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves
What worked
Well, the Bulls gave up 136 points—the fifth most this season—but actually played good defense in the first quarter. They held Minnesota, a top-eight offense on the season, to 21 first-quarter points, shooting only 35 percent from the field and 30 percent from three.
The other bright spot was Nikola Vučević’s performance against a tough matchup for centers, as Minnesota boasts a solid double-big lineup and a top-seven defense. Chicago's big man managed 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting along with five rebounds and two assists, by far the strongest outing in what was otherwise an underwhelming performance.
What didn't
Despite the loss, the most concerning aspect of the game was the injuries to Coby White and Josh Giddey. White suffered a right calf injury that sidelined him for the following three games, but he is questionable to return Monday against the Boston Celtics. Giddey, meanwhile, is dealing with a hamstring injury and will be re-evaluated in two weeks—a tough blow for Chicago.
I talked about the solid first-quarter defense, but the second-half defense needs to be addressed. Chicago allowed 81 second-half points—their most in any half this season. The Timberwolves shot 58.7 percent from the floor and 45 percent from three in that second half. That complete meltdown turned a relatively close game heading into halftime into a sheer blowout.
Beyond the poor defense, the Bulls failed to create any disruption, allowing Minnesota to play far too comfortably. The Timberwolves had only five total turnovers in the game, tied for the second–fewest in any game this season. Chicago, meanwhile, coughed it up sixteen times, allowing the Timberwolves to score 24 points off those miscues.
Wednesday, Dec 31 2025: 134-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans
What worked
The Bulls bounced back in a big way to close out 2025, powered by a true collective effort as eight players reached double figures. Among that group, one stat line stood above the rest: Tre Jones became the first player in NBA history to score 20 points on 100 percent shooting, hand out 12 assists, and commit just one turnover. Isaac Okoro also posted a season-high 24 points, along with five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Jalen Smith recorded his third double-double, tacking on 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. He’s now up to four after the Orlando game.
In addition to strong offensive contributions across the roster, the Bulls took care of the ball despite missing two key ball handlers in White and Giddey. Chicago turned it over just nine times, tying their season best.
The Bulls also got to the line 34 times against the Pelicans—the fourth-highest mark of the season—but converted just 25 of those attempts (73.5 percent).
What didn't
To be honest, not much. Aside from struggling to contain Zion Williamson, who put up 31 points in 29 minutes, the Bulls were in control for most of the game, as the Pelicans’ only lead came on the opening basket.
The lone blemish was the 21 second-chance points Chicago conceded after allowing just 13.8 over their previous five, but that’s nitpicking.
Friday, Jan 2 2026: 121-114 win over the Orlando Magic
What worked
Another strong team effort from the Bulls (six players in double figures), but this time it was second-year forward Mata Buzelis who stood out. He finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, seven assists (a career high), and a poster dunk that could be an early contender for Dunk of the Year.
Three of the six players in double figures came off the bench (Ayo Dosunmu with 17, Kevin Huerter with 20, and Patrick Williams with 15). The bench combined for a much-needed 57 points—the seventh-highest mark of the season.
After trailing for the bulk of the game, Chicago completely locked down Orlando in the fourth to rally and grab the win. The Magic shot 33.3 percent from the field and 9.1 percent from beyond the arc in the quarter.
What didn't
The main emphasis, at least for three quarters, was the defense. The Bulls just couldn't contain the Magic on that end of the floor. Orlando shot 56.5 percent (13-of-23) from distance through three quarters—impressive for a team that ranks 25th in the league in three-point percentage this season (34.3 percent).
The Bulls struggled to open both halves, with the Magic shooting a combined 27-of-41 (65.8 percent) from the field and 9-of-13 (69.2 percent) from three in those quarters.
Saturday, Jan 3 2026: 112-99 loss to the Charlotte Hornets
What worked
The first quarter made it seem like an offensive shootout was coming, as the Chicago Bulls scored 39 of their 99 points in the opening frame. Nikola Vučević set the tone early, going 4-of-4 for nine points with two rebounds and six assists in the first quarter, before finishing with 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.
What didn't
After two encouraging wins, Chicago finally felt the absences of White and Giddey, struggling to generate offense after the first quarter. The Bulls shot just 34.4 percent (22-of-64) over the final three quarters against a Charlotte defense that ranks 26th in the league. Chicago became only the second team all season to be held under 100 points by Charlotte, joining Toronto.
In addition to struggling to get anything going offensively, the Bulls couldn’t slow down the Hornets’ core four of Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel. The quartet combined for 83 points, led by Miles Bridges’ 26 points and 14 rebounds.
Up Next
A tough stretch awaits the Bulls next week, with upcoming games against the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks, who are a combined 81–60 this season.