Brooklyn Nets Upset Chicago Bulls In High-Scoring NBA Clash

The United Center in Chicago was buzzing with anticipation on Sunday, January 18, 2026, as the Chicago Bulls hosted the Brooklyn Nets in a pivotal Eastern Conference NBA matchup. The stakes were high for both teams, with the Bulls aiming to capitalize on their home-court advantage and the Nets looking to build on their recent momentum. The contest, which tipped off at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, brought together two squads with something to prove, but it was the Nets who ultimately emerged victorious with a 118-111 win over the Bulls.

Coming into the game, the Bulls were favored by 6.5 points according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total points over/under set at 222.5. Chicago had covered the spread 20 times in 41 games this season but had yet to do so as a favorite of 6.5 points or greater (0-2 ATS). Meanwhile, Brooklyn had managed to cover the spread 19 times in 39 games and held an 11-12 record against the spread as underdogs of 6.5 points or more. The projected score, according to pregame analytics, was Bulls 118, Nets 113, with many expecting the total points to go over the line.

For the Nets, the game plan was complicated by the absence of their leading scorer, Michael Porter Jr., who was rested for this contest after a stellar 26-point performance and a go-ahead layup in the previous matchup against the Bulls. Porter Jr. had been a force all season, averaging a career-high 25.8 points per game on 49% shooting. Brooklyn’s record without Porter Jr. had been dismal—0-7, with losses by an average of 15.3 points per game. His absence meant a heavier burden would fall on other players, notably Cam Thomas, who was still working his way back from a hamstring injury and had not scored more than 17 points in his last six outings. Noah Clowney and Egor Demin were also expected to step up, and Clowney, in particular, delivered a standout performance, contributing significantly in both points and rebounds.

The Bulls, meanwhile, were not without their own setbacks. Josh Giddey, the promising Australian guard, remained sidelined with a left hamstring strain that had kept him out for the last nine games. Although Giddey had been upgraded to doubtful and assigned to the Windy City Bulls for reconditioning, Chicago’s medical staff did not clear him to play. Zach Collins was also out due to a toe sprain, and reserve forward Noa Essengue remained unavailable following shoulder surgery. Patrick Williams, who had suffered a right ankle sprain during the first of two weekend games against Brooklyn, was listed as questionable, while Julian Phillips was also questionable with a wrist issue. Despite these injuries, Coby White was healthy and ready to contribute, ranking third in plus/minus for the Bulls this season, and Nikola Vučević continued to anchor the team with his presence in the paint.

Both teams entered the contest with less-than-stellar records. The Bulls were 19-22, ranking 24th in net rating, and had a 12-9 home record. They had gone 4-6 in their last ten games, averaging 112.4 points. The Nets were 12-27, ranking 25th in net rating, and had struggled on the road, losing four straight away games prior to this matchup. Over their last ten games, Brooklyn was 2-8, averaging 106.5 points. Statistically, the Bulls had the edge, boasting season averages of 117.3 points, 47% field goal percentage, 45.4 rebounds, and 29.4 assists per game. The Nets, in comparison, averaged 108.9 points, 45% shooting, 40.3 rebounds, and 25.4 assists.

Despite the numbers, the Nets defied the odds. Without their star forward, Brooklyn managed to outperform their usual offensive production. Noah Clowney’s energetic play was a revelation, as he filled the void left by Porter Jr. and made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Egor Demin, too, provided valuable minutes, helping the Nets maintain their intensity throughout the game. Cam Thomas, though not at his offensive best, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense and keeping the Bulls’ defense on its toes.

On the Bulls’ side, Nikola Vučević was the heart of the team, leading in both scoring and rebounding. His dominance inside kept Chicago within striking distance, while Coby White’s perimeter shooting offered a constant threat. However, the Bulls struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the second half, as the Nets tightened their defense and capitalized on Chicago’s late-game mistakes—an issue that had plagued them in their previous meeting, which the Nets won 112-109 to snap a five-game losing streak.

The injury report played a significant role in shaping the contest. For the Bulls, the absence of Josh Giddey was felt, though his imminent return—possibly as soon as Tuesday against the Clippers or Thursday versus the Timberwolves—offered a glimmer of hope for fans. Zach Collins was expected to miss several more weeks, and the status of Patrick Williams remained uncertain up to game time. The Nets, aside from resting Porter Jr., were missing Haywood Highsmith and Drake Powell due to injury recovery, while Ben Saraf was on a G League assignment and Ziaire Williams continued to ramp up his conditioning after an illness.

The game was broadcast on YES Network and Chicago Sports Network, with streaming available on Fubo and NBA League Pass, ensuring fans around the world could tune in. For those who missed the action, full replays and highlights were made accessible via the NBA’s official website and digital platforms.

Looking at the broader picture, this game underscored the unpredictability of the NBA. The Bulls, favored and playing at home, were unable to capitalize on their advantages, while the Nets, hampered by injuries and a poor record without their star, found a way to win. As the season continues, both teams will look to regroup—Chicago hoping to get healthier and more consistent, and Brooklyn seeking to build on this momentum, especially once Porter Jr. returns to the lineup.

The Nets’ 118-111 victory over the Bulls serves as a reminder that in the NBA, anything can happen on any given night. With key players set to return and the playoff race heating up, fans can expect plenty more twists and turns as the season unfolds.