The Denver Nuggets (33-19) arrive at the United Center tonight, 07 February 2026, desperate to snap a three-game losing skid as they face the Chicago Bulls (24-28). Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local time) in a matchup that carries significant weight for both teams following the recent NBA trade deadline.
Game Preview: Star Power and Health Concerns
The primary storyline heading into tonight’s contest is the availability of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. After being listed as questionable with an ankle/knee issue earlier in the week, latest reports indicate Jokic is expected to be available, though he may not be at 100 per cent. Denver has struggled recently, losing four of their last five games as road favourites, and currently sits 19-9 on the road this season.
The Bulls, meanwhile, are navigating a roster in transition. Following reports that veteran centre Nikola Vucevic was traded to the Boston Celtics, Chicago is leaning heavily on its younger core and the pace-heavy system that currently ranks fifth-fastest in the NBA. The Bulls already hold a 1-0 season series lead over Denver, having secured a 130-127 upset victory in Colorado on 17 November 2025.
Head-to-Head and Betting Trends
- All-Time Record: Denver leads the regular-season series 58-46.
- Recent Form: Chicago has won three consecutive games against the Nuggets when entering as the betting underdog.
- Point Spread: Denver is currently favoured by -5.5 points.
- Total (Over/Under): Set at 232.5 points. Both teams have combined to go over this total in the majority of their recent matchups.
Key Matchups to Watch
With Jokic potentially limited, Jamal Murray is expected to take on a larger scoring burden for the Nuggets. Murray will likely be shadowed by Chicago’s perimeter defenders in a game where the Bulls will look to exploit Denver’s recent defensive lapses. Denver is currently 14-13 against teams with a winning record, but they have struggled to contain high-pace offences like Chicago’s, which averages 117.0 points per game.
How to Watch
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, 07 February 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT |
| Venue | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| TV Channel | CHSN (Chicago), Altitude (Denver) |
| Streaming | NBA League Pass, FuboTV |
For the Nuggets, tonight represents a chance to stabilize their position in the Western Conference standings before the All-Star break. For the Bulls, a victory would secure a season-series sweep over the defending contenders and provide a much-needed boost to their playoff play-in aspirations.