It’s going to be incredibly cool to see the entire city come together tonight to tune into Chicago’s biggest matchups in years: Cooper Flagg vs. Matas Buzelis!
In all seriousness, I’m not sure how many eyes will be on the Bulls’ meeting with the Mavericks tonight, but I do expect this to be one worth watching. Not only will this be the Bulls’ first look at the No. 1 overall pick (whom they missed out on due to a coin flip), but it’s a game that gives Chicago a real chance to break out of its three-game skid.
Anthony Davis has suffered another injury, and Dallas is already without multiple other key contributors. Likewise, this is an offense that has struggled all season long. While the Bulls have faced their own obstacles on that end of the floor the past few games, they will have a well-rested Coby White on the floor tonight and welcome back Jalen Smith. Not to mention, this Dallas D has given up the most points in the paint per game.
How to Watch
Who: Dallas Mavericks (14-24) at Chicago Bulls (17-20)
Where: United Center
When: 7:00 p.m. CT
Watch: Chicago Sports Network
Projected Starting Lineups
Chicago Bulls
1. Coby White
2. Tre Jones
3. Isaac Okoro
4. Matas Buzelis
5. Nikola Vucevic
Dallas Mavericks
1. Ryan Nembhard
2. Max Christie
3. Naji Marshall
4. Cooper Flagg
5. Daniel Gafford
Injury News
Jan 6, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) shoots the ball before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bulls got a big update earlier today. After missing the last two games with a concussion, Jalen Smith is expected to return to the floor. The big man was a fundamental part of the team’s bench mob this season, so much so that Billy Donovan has leaned on him in the starting lineup with other injury trouble mounting.
Particularly when we consider the Mavericks’ own strength of scoring in the paint, having Smith’s size back in the mix could be essential. The Bulls have had to lean heavily on second-round rookie Lachlan Olbrich the past couple of games, which has led to some tough results.
As for the Mavericks, they have lost Anthony Davis again for what could be an extended period of time. The big man was playing well before suffering a hand injury in his team’s loss to the Jazz. Add in PJ Washington’s absence this evening, and the Mavs will be heavily depleted in the frontcourt. Only more of a reason for Chicago to pound the paint!
Chicago Bulls Injury Report
Jalen Smith –PROBABLE (concussion)
Kevin Huerter – QUESTIONABLE (back)
Josh Giddey – OUT (hamstring)
Zach Collins – OUT (toe)
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report
Anthony Davis – OUT (hand)
Dereck Lively II – OUT (foot)
PJ Washginton – OUT (ankle)
Brandon Williams – OUT (illness)
Dante Exum – OUT (knee)
Kyrie Irving – OUT (knee)
