Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, where to watch, and more (January 3, 2026)

The Charlotte Hornets visit the Chicago Bulls on January 3, 2026, in a game that matters for two teams stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference. Neither side has found consistency, and injuries have shaped much of their season so far.Chicago comes in as a slight home favorite, helped by its record at the United Center and recent success against Charlotte. The Hornets, meanwhile, are still trying to steady themselves on the road while relying heavily on their younger players to carry the load.Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at the United Center, which seats 20,917. Charlotte Hornets enter with an 11-22 or 11-23 record, while Chicago sits at either 16-17 or 17-17. The Chicago Bulls have won eight of the last ten meetings between the teams and prefer to play fast, often pushing the tempo early.Injuries will play a major role in how this game unfolds, with both rosters missing key rotation players.With official reports still pending earlier in the day, final lineups could change close to tipoff. Charlotte will likely lean on Brandon Miller, who has been scoring well recently, while Chicago may need Kevin Huerter to provide steady shooting.The game will air on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast for Hornets viewers and CHSN+ in Chicago. Streaming options include Fubo, the ESPN app, and NBA League Pass for out-of-market fans. Charlotte radio coverage is available on WFNZ 92.7 FM and its affiliates.Chicago is listed as a small favorite at -125 on the moneyline, with the spread between Bulls -1.5 and -2.5. The over/under is set at 238.5 points. Projections slightly favor Chicago due to home court, though Charlotte has covered the spread well this season. A close game is expected, with Chicago holding a narrow edge late.LaMelo Ball faces a depleted Bulls backcourt, giving Charlotte a chance to control the game from the perimeter. Miles Bridges will be tested against Chicago’s thin frontcourt, while rebounding could be decisive with Plumlee unavailable.