Nuggets vs Chicago Bulls Prediction 12 October 2026
🏀 The Denver Nuggets host the Chicago Bulls in one of Monday’s NBA preseason matchups. Both teams have already played two exhibition games as they continue to experiment with their revamped lineups. For Adelman’s squad, this is a home test following a pair of clashes with Utah, while the Bulls hit the road for the first time after home games against Phoenix and Memphis.
Head-to-Head
📊 The most recent clash between these teams took place in Chicago on February 8, with Denver coming out on top, 136-120. However, looking at their last five head-to-head meetings, the Bulls hold a slight edge, having claimed three victories.
Head-to-head statistics Nuggets - Chicago Bulls
Denver: tests produce conflicting results
Denver have delivered mixed results in their first two preseason outings: a 97-109 loss to Utah, followed by a 117-106 win over the same opponent. In the opener, Jokic dished out 7 assists in just 15 minutes, while in the rematch he posted 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in a similar span. Gordon has emerged as the main beneficiary of the Serbian big man’s limited minutes - last game, he tallied 18 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 7-of-11 from the field.
Denver’s main concern is their frontcourt depth. With Watson departing and Jones sidelined by injury, Adelman is left with fewer options in the paint. Nnaji and Holmes II are set for increased minutes, but whether they’re ready for significant playing time remains an open question. Murray sat out the first clash with Utah but is expected to feature against Chicago. His partnership with Jokic is the foundation Denver build on - and it’s something their opponents will struggle to match.
Match Results: Denver Nuggets
Chicago: Wilson is a standout, but their defense remains a major concern
Chicago are very much in experimental mode right now. New head coach Splitter is building the team around Giddey and rookie Wilson. The Bulls opened preseason with a win over Phoenix (124-117), but then fell to Memphis (100-104). Wilson is averaging 18 points in 30 minutes, though his efficiency (39.4% from the field) leaves plenty of room for improvement. The main issue mirrors Denver’s - a thin frontcourt. Both Claxton and Collins will miss this game, leaving Smith as the lone healthy big man, and he won’t be able to match up with Jokic.
Still, Chicago boast one of the hungriest and most well-balanced benches in the league. Young players and newcomers in the rotation are battling hard for a spot in the starting lineup once the regular season tips off. Throughout preseason, Chicago have been pushing the tempo, attacking aggressively from the perimeter, and looking to outwork opponents with their energy and depth. Should we expect another high-octane performance from them in Denver?
Match Results: Chicago Bulls
Total Points Prediction
In recent head-to-head clashes, the hosts are averaging 112.7 points per game, while the visitors post 108.3. Notably, the Bulls have scored over 112.5 points in seven of their last eight road games. Let’s back Chicago’s individual total over 112.5 at odds of 1.92.
Prediction on the Outcome
Chicago have covered the +7.5 spread in 6 of their last 7 head-to-head meetings against Denver on the road. Back the visitors to win with a +7.5 handicap at odds of 1.87.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Chicago conceded 117 points even against Phoenix, a mid-tier team, during preseason action. Meanwhile, Denver appear to be finding their rhythm based on their last outing and should be able to surpass the Suns’ tally. Both teams prefer to play at a high tempo, and the Bulls’ defense looks unprepared for Jokic’s pick-and-rolls. The Serbian big man facing Chicago’s frontcourt - especially without Claxton and Collins - creates a mismatch the visitors simply can’t hide. Even if Nikola gets just 15-20 minutes on the floor, that should be more than enough for him to rack up points in this stretch. Let’s back the home team’s individual total over 119.5 in this one.
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Betting Tips: Denver Nuggets - Chicago Bulls
in 9 of last 10 games against Chicago Bulls (NBA).in 5 of last 6 home games against Chicago Bulls (NBA).in 7 of last 8 games (NBA).in 6 of last 7 away games against Denver Nuggets (NBA).
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