2025-26 Chicago Bulls Predictions and Odds to Win NBA Finals

by Spencer Toth - 9/29/2025

The Chicago Bulls have finished ninth or tenth in the Eastern Conference in three straight seasons before getting bounced in the play-in tournament. A wide-open Eastern Conference means the Bulls could rise into the postseason with a .500 record, but a lack of offseason moves has left the fan base scratching its heads. Do the Bulls have enough talent in Chicago to make a surprising playoff run, or will it be an 11th straight season without a playoff win in Chicago?

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Chicago Bulls Offseason Recap

The Chicago Bulls were very quiet this offseason as the front office feels as though there is already enough talent on this roster to compete. Their big move last season was acquiring Josh Giddey, but the Bulls may have found a new face of the franchise in the draft this season.

Chicago secured the 12th overall selection after finishing 39-43 last year, and used it to draft Noa Essengue. Essengue spent the last two seasons playing in Europe, and the French forward can instantly make an impact in Chicago. His 6’10” frame and relentless effort on defense allow him to play multiple positions, which is crucial for earning playtime as an incoming rookie. His ability to create his own shots at the rim off the dribble is exactly what the Bulls need, and he will see plenty of the rock alongside Giddey. However, his pull-up shots still need work, and he is a one-dimensional rim rusher against set defenses. His best comparison would be Pascal Siakam, who also started as a lanky rim-rusher before developing a jump shot later in his career.

The Bulls didn’t make any other major moves this offseason. Lonzo Ball was sent to Cleveland after playing 35 games last season in his return to the court. Ball was injured for two complete seasons before this year, and the Bulls wisely elected to prioritize other contracts heading into the new season.

Chicago Bulls Season Expectations

The Bulls have limited expectations this season after another disappointing year last year. Chicago didn’t make any impactful offseason moves, were relatively healthy last year, yet are still running it back with a similar squad. This team’s ceiling hinges on the shoulder of Josh Giddey this season. Off-court issues derailed Giddey’s career in Oklahoma City, but he has the chance to rewrite history in Chicago. He is the primary on-ball option for the Bulls and has already shown flashes of potential in a Chicago uniform. His 15/8/7 statline from last season doesn’t tell the whole story of what Giddey can do, as almost all the Bulls' offense ran through the 22-year-old. Coby White and Nikola Vucevic will likely outscore Giddey again, but his playmaking role is safe with minimal pressure off the bench.

The expectations in Chicago will be a .500 record followed by a playoff series victory. The Bulls have been outright awful across the last decade, but a young core has lifted the fan base with optimism once again. A wide-open Eastern Conference gives the Bulls an opportunity for a surprisingly successful season, but building for the future remains the primary target for Chicago.

Chicago Bulls Schedule Breakdown

Chicago has the privilege of playing five of their first seven games at home. A hot start for the Bulls could quickly dispel those concerns, and their schedule gives them a chance to do so. The Bulls will be home for the holidays with no road games between Christmas Eve and January 4th. They also have another big homestand in late February, with seven straight home games before a five-game West Coast road trip.

Chicago Bulls Odds

The Chicago Bulls have a 32.5 win total this season and are expected to regress out of the play-in tournament. They have +195 odds to make the play-in tournament for the 4th straight season, and have +360 odds to turn that into a playoff berth. What has hurt Chicago on the betting odds is their lack of offseason moves, but that is sometimes a blessing in disguise for a rebuilding team. Too much turnover prevents the team from building chemistry, and the Bulls rotation will be familiar with one another heading into the new year. A new superstar would always be welcome, but with the oft-injured duo of Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball out of the picture, the Bulls can focus on their current task at hand. In the NBA Cup, the Bulls are with the Knicks, Bucks, Hornets, and Heat, and have +750 odds to win that group.

2025-26 Chicago Bulls Season Predictions and Best Bets

Chicago is unlikely to make a run to the NBA Finals, but they are better than the odds have given them credit for. Continuity in a developing roster is often overlooked. While the Bulls didn’t make the flashy offseason signings, other bottom-feeders did; they will still be able to come close to the .500 mark this season. I expect them to finish in the 11th or 12th seed in the East with a 36-46 record this season. They will fall just short of the play-in tournament, but taking their Over is still the way to go. We can take the standard -110 on Over 32.5 wins, but the sharper play is to take the +150 odds on 35+ wins. Locking up your bankroll for an entire year at -110 is often unwise, and the sharper play is to take alternative totals at plus money prices. We won’t take Chicago to make the play-in tournament at +195, as 35-win teams often miss out on the tournament, but can cash this +150 price.

Pick: Chicago Bulls Over 32.5 Wins -110

Top Pick: Chicago Bulls 35+ Wins +150

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Start:	October 19, 2025 @ 11:00 PM
Expert:	Griffin Murphy
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2025-26 Chicago Bulls Predictions and Odds to Win NBA Finals

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