March 23, 2026 | United Center, Chicago, IL | 7:00 PM CT | NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Bulls (27–41) host the Houston Rockets (34–33) at the United Center tonight, and this is a winnable game at home. They’re 9th in the West and fighting for a play-in spot. We’re 11th in the East and fourteen games under .500, but we’re at home with our fans behind us.
The Rockets have Jalen Green—an explosive young scorer. Alperen Şengün is a skilled playmaking big man. Jabari Smith Jr. provides versatility. They’re young, energetic, and playing meaningful basketball.
We’re trying to keep up with DeMar DeRozan’s mid-range game and hoping Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton get hot from three. At the United Center, we should have a chance.
For Bulls fans, this is a home game against a playoff-contending team where we need to protect home court.
Where the Bulls Stand (Still Bad)
Record: 27–41 (11th in East)
We’re fourteen games under .500, and the play-in race is over. The defense is terrible (120.6 points allowed per game). The rebounding is a problem (42.7 per game vs Houston’s 45.6). But at home, we’ve been better.
Key Players:
- DeMar DeRozan: Still getting his mid-range buckets, needs to dominate at home
- Anfernee Simons: Inconsistent—needs to show up at the United Center
- Collin Sexton: Provides energy, especially at home
Billy Donovan keeps preaching defense and execution. Against the Rockets’ pace and youth at home, we need the crowd behind us.
The Houston Rockets: Young and Energetic
Record: 34–33 (9th in West)
The Rockets are fighting for a play-in spot with a young, energetic roster. Jalen Green is an explosive scorer who can take over games. Alperen Şengün is a skilled big man who can score and facilitate. Jabari Smith Jr. provides defensive versatility.
Key Players:
- Jalen Green (G): Explosive scorer, can drop 30+ on any given night
- Alperen Şengün (C): Skilled big man who scores and facilitates from the post
- Jabari Smith Jr. (F): Versatile forward who can defend and shoot
The Numbers:
- 116.2 points per game (fast-paced offense)
- 114.9 points allowed per game (solid defense)
- 45.6 rebounds per game (dominate the glass)
- Young, energetic team
They’re young, energetic, well-coached, and playing for a playoff spot. But they’re on the road tonight.
Breaking Down the Matchup
| Category | Bulls | Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.5 | 116.2 |
| Points Allowed | 120.6 | 114.9 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.0 | 27.5 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 14.4 | 13.9 |
| Rebounding | 42.7 | 45.6 |
They score more. They defend better. They rebound better. We pass slightly better and shoot slightly more threes.
But we’re at home. The United Center crowd can be a factor. And young teams sometimes struggle on the road.
What the Bulls Need to Do at Home
DeMar DeRozan Takes Over at the United Center
DeMar needs 35+ points and to control the game at home. The crowd will be behind him. Use that energy.
Hit Threes Consistently
If Simons, Sexton, and our shooters can knock down 18+ threes at 42%+, we can win at home. Get hot early and keep the crowd engaged.
Slow Down Jalen Green
Green’s explosive, but he’s on the road. Make him uncomfortable at the United Center. Don’t let him get easy looks.
Protect Home Court
The United Center. Our fans. We should have an advantage. Win the rebounding battle. Execute defensively. Make Houston uncomfortable.
Feed Off the Crowd
Home games matter. The energy should help us. Use it to our advantage and protect the United Center.
What Houston Will Bring
Jalen Green will try to explode for scoring bursts with athleticism. Alperen Şengün will control the paint with skill and playmaking. Jabari Smith Jr. will provide versatility on both ends.
But they’re on the road. If we can get the crowd into it early, we can make them uncomfortable.
Bulls Fan Prediction: Competitive Home Game
Final Score: Bulls 113, Rockets 109
DeMar DeRozan dominates at home with 35 points. Anfernee Simons gets hot and drops 26. The United Center crowd gets loud and energizes the team.
Jalen Green battles for 29 points, but we make him work for everything. Alperen Şengün adds 20 with 7 assists. But our home court advantage and three-point shooting give us the edge.
We protect the United Center. Four-point win at home against a playoff-contending team. The crowd lifts us to a statement victory.
Why This Game Matters
We’re 11th in the East. The season’s essentially over. But this is the United Center. Our home court.
The Rockets are a playoff-contending team, but they’re on the road. If we can’t protect home court against them, what’s the point?
DeMar DeRozan deserves support from the home crowd. And maybe—just maybe—we can steal a win against a playoff team at the United Center.
See Red. Let´s go Bulls!!!