Basketball fans are in for a treat as the Chicago Bulls get set to host the Denver Nuggets at the United Center on February 7, 2026. Both teams enter this interconference showdown hungry to snap three-game losing streaks, and with rosters in flux and stars battling injuries, the drama is palpable. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm ET, and there’s a lot more at stake than just bragging rights tonight!
The Bulls, now 24-28 after a rocky 1-3 road trip, return home with a transformed squad. Gone are familiar faces like Coby White and Nikola Vučević, traded away in a flurry of deadline deals that also sent Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter packing. In their place, Chicago fans will see a new-look lineup featuring recent acquisitions Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Guerschon Yabusele, and Collin Sexton. The Bulls also netted nine second-round picks in the process, signaling a bold new direction.
Chicago’s latest outing—a 123-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors—offered a glimpse of what’s to come. Anfernee Simons wasted no time making his mark, pouring in 22 points and drilling six three-pointers. Guerschon Yabusele impressed off the bench with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey chipped in 13 points, six assists, and three steals. Matas Buzelis, now the Bulls’ top scorer at 15.0 points per game, added 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists. “We’re excited about the energy these new guys bring,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said after the game. “It’s going to take some time, but the potential is there.”
But it’s not all smooth sailing in the Windy City. The Bulls’ injury report remains lengthy: Josh Giddey (left hamstring strain), Tre Jones (left hamstring strain), Zach Collins (right toe sprain), and Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery) are all out, while Jalen Smith is questionable with a right calf strain. With so many fresh faces, fans shouldn’t expect flawless execution—especially on defense, where Chicago ranks 25th in the NBA.
On the other side, the Denver Nuggets are also licking their wounds. The defending Western Conference contenders sit at 33-19, but they too have dropped three straight, including a heartbreaker in double overtime to the New York Knicks. Jamal Murray was sensational in that game, exploding for 39 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Nikola Jokic, always a triple-double threat, delivered 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists despite battling a left ankle sprain. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 19 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to stave off defeat.
The Nuggets’ injury woes are mounting. Jokic is listed as questionable for tonight’s clash, as is Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise), who hasn’t played since December 23. Christian Braun is probable (left ankle sprain), while Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Peyton Watson (hamstring), Spencer Jones (concussion protocol), and Tamar Bates (foot) are all out. Should Jokic be sidelined, look for Jonas Valanciunas and Zeke Nnaji to pick up the slack in the frontcourt. “We have to be ready for anything,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said. “Guys need to step up, especially with so many injuries.”
Denver boasts the NBA’s highest offensive rating, averaging 120.1 points per game, but their defense—ranked 23rd—has been leaky, surrendering 116.2 points per contest. The Bulls, meanwhile, put up 117 points a night but allow a whopping 120.2, so don’t be surprised if this one turns into a shootout. The last time these teams met, Chicago edged Denver 130-127 in a thriller at Ball Arena. Can the Bulls repeat that feat at home, or will Murray and company get their revenge?
Expected starting lineups reflect the recent roster shakeups and injuries. For the Bulls: Collin Sexton (PG), Jaden Ivey (SG), Isaac Okoro (SF), Matas Buzelis (PF), and Leonard Miller (C) are likely to take the floor. Sexton, acquired at the deadline, averages 14.2 points and 3.7 assists per game, while Buzelis has been a steady presence with 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Ivey and Okoro, both new to the Bulls, are expected to bring energy and athleticism to the backcourt and wing.
The Nuggets are expected to counter with Jamal Murray (PG), Jalen Pickett (SG), Bruce Brown (SF), Tim Hardaway Jr. (PF), and Jonas Valanciunas (C)—though Jokic’s status could shake things up. Murray is in the midst of a career year, averaging 25.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Hardaway Jr. chips in 13.9 points per game, while Valanciunas would be asked to anchor the paint if Jokic can’t go.
Betting odds favor the Nuggets despite their recent skid and uncertain health. As of the latest lines, Denver is a 5.5-point favorite (moneyline -220), with Chicago at +180. The over/under sits at 233.5 points, reflecting both teams’ explosive offenses and defensive struggles. With both squads desperate to right the ship, expect a high-scoring affair with plenty of fireworks.
Fans eager to catch the action have a variety of options. The game will be broadcast on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) and Altitude Sports, with streaming available via Fubo (free trial), DirecTV TV Stream, and Amazon Prime Video. Radio coverage will be provided by 670 The Score and SiriusXM. For those lucky enough to attend in person, tickets are still available through StubHub.
Beyond the immediate stakes, tonight’s game offers a fascinating glimpse into two teams at a crossroads. The Bulls are embracing a youth movement, betting that their new core—Buzelis, Sexton, Ivey, Simons, and others—can coalesce into a playoff-caliber unit. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are trying to weather a storm of injuries and rediscover the form that made them Western Conference favorites. With both clubs hungry for a win, something’s got to give.
As tip-off approaches, the big question looms: will the Bulls’ new-look lineup gel quickly enough to topple the high-powered Nuggets, or will Denver’s stars, led by a potentially hobbled Jokic and the red-hot Murray, spoil the party in Chicago? One thing’s for sure—fans won’t want to miss this one. The stakes are high, the rosters are evolving, and the outcome is anything but certain. Stay tuned as the Bulls and Nuggets battle to break their losing streaks and ignite their playoff pushes.
With both teams desperate to get back in the win column and rosters in flux, tonight’s matchup promises energy, unpredictability, and plenty of storylines. Whether you’re tuning in for the debut of Chicago’s new stars or watching to see if the Nuggets can overcome adversity, this Saturday night clash is shaping up to be a must-see event in the NBA calendar.