Despite some major offseason moves, the Hawks are struggling to start the 2025-26 season thanks to a plethora of injuries. The team is 1-2 and begins a four-game road trip against the Bulls tonight.
Chicago is 2-0 with wins against the Pistons and Magic, two expected playoff squads.
Atlanta is a 2.5-point favorite and -135 on the moneyline, while Chicago is +114 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set to 242.5 points. Below, I’ll break down this matchup with a preview, prediction and best bet.
Hawks vs. Bulls preview, prediction
The Hawks retooled in the summer, hoping to win now with Trae Young. The Eastern Conference is wide open with three Achilles injuries ravaging contending rosters. Without Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard (who is now with the Trail Blazers), the Pacers, Celtics and Bucks have a much more challenging road ahead.
It’s opened the door for Atlanta to assert itself in the playoff conversation. After finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference last season, the Hawks lost back-to-back play-in games and missed the playoffs. This year, the hope is that they can avoid the play-in altogether.
The immediate problem, however, is that key players are nursing injuries. Jalen Johnson (ankle), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) are all questionable for tonight. While the team has some depth, any of these absences would thin out the rotation.
The Bulls aren’t exactly a playoff contender, but they could sneak in with how the Eastern Conference looks this year. Josh Giddey headlines the roster that’s 2-0 to start the 2025-26 season, but he’s questionable for tonight’s game with a finger injury.
If Giddey is out, the Bulls will be without him and Coby White, the top two ball handlers on the roster. Nikola Vucevic will be the primary scorer regardless, as he’s averaging a team-leading 21.5 points per game on 64 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from distance.
Hawks vs. Bulls pick, best bet
This game could come down to who’s available. Four key players have questionable tags, and White is already ruled out. Even with these injuries, however, the Hawks are the better team.
I’m not buying Chicago’s hot start; the losses should start piling up soon. Young is playing, which is enough to back the Hawks tonight. He’s comfortable on the road and embraces the opposing crowd.