Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions January 17th 2025

Bulls Look to End Skid, Hornets Seek Momentum

The Chicago Bulls started their five-game homestand with hope, but after three straight losses, they now face a critical test of character when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.

“It’s right here to define the season,” Bulls guard Coby White said. “Are we going to let it spiral and keep going downhill? Or take a stand and come out ready to compete?”

Chicago’s latest loss—a 110-96 defeat to the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday—was especially frustrating. The Hawks, missing three starters and a key reserve, never trailed, and two recent call-ups from their G League affiliate combined for 46 points.

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Nikola Vucevic addressed the locker room postgame, calling out the team’s inconsistent defense, rebounding, and communication on switches.

“It was good for us, good for Vooch to get it off his chest and hold everyone accountable,” White said.

Hornets Finding Some Life

The Hornets (10-29) are showing signs of improvement after snapping a 10-game losing streak on Jan. 5. They’ve won two of their last three, including a 117-112 road victory over Utah on Wednesday.

Mark Williams powered Charlotte with a career-high 31 points on 12-of-14 shooting, including eight dunks, while grabbing 13 rebounds.

“We need him to be dominating the paint,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said, revealing Williams’ new nickname: “DTP” (Dominate The Paint).

Charlotte also got strong contributions from LaMelo Ball (27 points), Miles Bridges (25), and Brandon Miller (20) in Utah, highlighting a balanced offensive attack.

Head-to-Head: Bulls Have Dominated Series

Chicago has won eight straight games against Charlotte, including a 109-95 home win on Dec. 13 and a 115-108 overtime victory on Dec. 30 in Charlotte.

Vucevic has three straight double-doubles against the Hornets, averaging 19.7 points and 11.7 rebounds in those meetings. White nearly posted a triple-double in their last matchup, finishing with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

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Meanwhile, Bridges (31 points, 12 rebounds) and Williams (20 points, 12 rebounds) kept the Hornets competitive in that OT loss.

Chicago looks to secure its fifth straight season-series victory against Charlotte before their final regular-season meeting on April 6.

Bulls’ Keys to Victory

• Start Strong – Chicago can’t afford another slow start, especially after never leading against Atlanta.
• Box Out & Rebound – With Williams thriving inside, the Bulls must be more physical on the glass.
• Find Offensive Rhythm – Zach LaVine (23.8 PPG) and Vucevic (20.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG) need to set the tone early.

The Bulls need this game to stop the slide and regain momentum, but the resurgent Hornets won’t make it easy.