Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Monday’s NBA matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets.

Struggling Eastern Conference squads go head-to-head on Monday night, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center.

The Bulls (24–29, 11th East) have lost seven of their last eight games and are hoping to turn things around after taking a big swing ahead of last week’s trade deadline. The Nets (14–37, 13th East) made some subtle moves at the deadline, largely trudging forward with the same roster that has lost 17 of 21 games since the calendar turned to 2026.

Brooklyn holds a 2–1 edge in the regular-season series heading into Monday’s finale. 

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Chicago Bulls

Out: Zach Collins (Toe), Noa Essengue (Shoulder)

Doubtful: Josh Giddey (Hamstring), Tre Jones (Hamstring)

Questionable: Jalen Smith (Calf)

Brooklyn Nets

Out: Egor Demin (Rest), Michael Porter Jr. (Knee)

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Chicago enters as a 4.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn sits as a +145 underdog. The game’s total is set at 218.5 points. 

Bulls vs. Nets Preview

Chicago Bulls Preview

The Bulls shifted the herd ahead of Thursday’s deadline. The league’s most active team on the trade market, Chicago dealt away top scorer Coby White and leading rebounder Nikola Vucevic, along with key role players Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter.

In return, the franchise acquired Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and others — bolstering a core built around Josh Giddey (Doubtful) and Matas Buzelis.

The Bulls are still trying to find their footing after such a colossal shakeup, especially with Giddey sidelined. Still, Chicago’s recruits have shown flashes of promise across their first two games with the team — particularly Simons, who has averaged 18.5 points while shooting 39% from beyond the arc.

Brooklyn Nets Preview

Brooklyn’s biggest deadline move wasn’t a trade at all. In a stunning move, the franchise waived former leading scorer Cam Thomas before the 3 p.m. ET cutoff. 

Thomas’ production had dipped considerably since last season, and he was a recurring culprit in the Nets’ abysmal defense. But with Michael Porter Jr. and promising rookie Egor Demin both sidelined for Monday’s contest, the question is simple: Who is going to score?

Even at full strength, Brooklyn owns the NBA’s fifth-worst offensive rating and will likely need to rely on its young frontcourt duo, Nic Claxton and Noah Clowney. Neither of them averages more than 13 points per game.

Bulls vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet

Monday’s contest gives the new-look Bulls a chance to find their rhythm against a sputtering Nets squad now stripped of its offensive engine. Expect Chicago to earn its first post-deadline win in Brooklyn. 

Best Bet: Chicago Bulls Moneyline (-175)