As the NBA regular season winds down, the Chicago Bulls are gearing up for their final home game before the play-in tournament, hosting the Washington Wizards on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the United Center. With only two games left in the season, the Bulls (37-43) are looking to build momentum after a decisive 119-113 victory over the Miami Heat earlier in the week, while the Wizards (17-63) are hoping to salvage some pride after suffering a 122-103 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Entering this matchup, the Bulls have performed well against the Wizards this season, winning two of the three previous encounters, including a commanding 33-point victory in their last meeting. Chicago is currently riding a wave of success at home, boasting a 7-3 record in their last ten games at the United Center. In contrast, the Wizards have struggled mightily, losing four straight games and seven of their last eight, which has left them with the worst record in the NBA.
With the Bulls eyeing the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference and a chance to host a play-in game, they are keen to secure a win against a Wizards team that appears to be focused on the upcoming offseason. The Wizards share the dubious distinction of having the worst record in the league alongside the Utah Jazz, and they hold the highest draft lottery odds for the coveted first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
One of the key matchups to watch will be between Chicago's Nikola Vučević and Washington's promising rookie center, Alex Sarr. Vučević, who has recently returned from a calf injury, is looking to leverage his experience and skills to exploit Sarr's inexperience. This season, Vučević has been a consistent performer for the Bulls, and his ability to dominate in the paint could be crucial as Chicago prepares for the postseason.
On the other hand, Sarr has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign, averaging 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. Despite the Wizards' struggles, Sarr's development is a bright spot, and he will be looking to prove himself against a seasoned veteran like Vučević.
In terms of injuries, the Bulls are dealing with several key absences, including Lonzo Ball (right wrist sprain), Ayo Dosunmu (left shoulder surgery), and Tre Jones (left midfoot sprain), all of whom will not play. Jalen Smith is listed as probable with a right ankle sprain, while Dalen Terry is questionable due to a right calf contusion. For the Wizards, the injury report is even more extensive, with Saddiq Bey (left knee ACL surgery), Malcolm Brogdon (left ankle sprain), Bilal Coulibaly (right hamstring strain), Anthony Gil (right hamstring strain), Corey Kispert (left thumb surgery), Khris Middleton (right knee contusion), and Jordan Poole (right elbow contusion) all ruled out. Richaun Holmes is doubtful with a right shoulder contusion, and JT Thor is questionable due to right knee soreness.
As the teams prepare for tip-off at 7 p.m. CT, the betting odds reflect the Bulls' strong position. According to FanDuel, Chicago is favored by 16.5 points, with a moneyline of -1500, while the Wizards sit at +870. The total points for the game are set at 237.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Despite their overwhelming odds, there are whispers that double-digit underdogs like the Wizards can be profitable in the final week of the season, as teams often play with less pressure. Vaughn Dalzell from NBC Sports suggests taking a chance on the Wizards' moneyline, noting that while their chances of winning are slim, the potential payout could be enticing for adventurous bettors.
Fans can catch the action live on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) and Monumental Sports Network (MNMT). For those outside the local viewing area, the game will also be available for streaming on NBA League Pass. With the stakes high for the Bulls as they look to solidify their playoff positioning, and the Wizards aiming to find some semblance of success, this matchup promises to be an intriguing contest.
As the clock ticks down on the regular season, all eyes will be on the United Center to see if the Bulls can capitalize on their home-court advantage and secure a much-needed victory against a struggling Wizards team. Will Chicago maintain their focus and momentum heading into the play-in tournament, or will Washington find a way to upset the odds?
