La Clippers vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions January 20th 2025

Clippers Continue Winning Streak, Face Struggling Bulls

The Los Angeles Clippers look to extend their four-game winning streak as they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday night in Inglewood, California. While the Clippers are getting closer to full strength, they may once again be shorthanded, with Kawhi Leonard ruled out for rest and James Harden’s status uncertain after playing heavy minutes on Sunday.

Clippers Finding Their Groove Despite Injuries

The Clippers (27-14) are playing some of their best basketball of the season, securing a 116-102 win over the Lakers on Sunday. Kawhi Leonard, continuing his return from a three-month absence due to knee soreness, scored 19 points in just 24 minutes—matching his season high in playing time.

Looking for Free NBA Picks? Check out our free NBA basketball picks for today’s games.

Despite surpassing 14,000 career points, Leonard will sit out Monday’s game for maintenance as the Clippers face a grueling four-games-in-five-days schedule.

“I’m happy with the progress,” Leonard said. “For me, it’s just about how I’m feeling, and I’m coming out of the games feeling great, but I still have work to do, and we’re going to keep taking each step.”

Key Players for the Clippers

• Norman Powell (23.6 PPG) – With Leonard missing time early in the season, Powell has emerged as the team’s leading scorer, providing much-needed offense.
• Ivica Zubac (21 PTS, 19 REB vs. Lakers) – A dominant force inside, Zubac recorded his fourth game this season with at least 20 points and 18 rebounds.
• James Harden (21 PTS, 12 AST vs. Lakers) – Played 40 minutes Sunday, one off his season-high, and was previously questionable with an illness. His status is uncertain for Monday’s game.

Head coach Tyronn Lue praised his team’s balanced attack and execution.

“I’m just so proud of our guys for sticking with it and just executing, no matter who’s touching the ball, who’s getting shots,” Lue said. “We just have to keep building and keep stacking days.”

Harden also reached a historic milestone on Sunday, passing Oscar Robertson for 14th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 26,721 career points.

Bulls Searching for Answers Amid Five-Game Losing Streak

The Bulls (20-24) continue to struggle, dropping their fifth consecutive game in a 113-102 road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Key Performances in the Loss

• Zach LaVine (27 PTS) – Continues to increase his trade value as rumors swirl ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
• Nikola Vucevic (17 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST) – A solid all-around performance, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Bulls.
• Coby White (9 PTS, 0 AST, left with ankle injury) – His status for Monday’s game remains uncertain.

Chicago’s turnover issues were a major factor in the loss. The Bulls gave up 19 points on 16 turnovers, struggling to maintain offensive rhythm.

Trade Talk Surrounding LaVine

With the Bulls sliding in the standings, Zach LaVine’s name has been frequently mentioned in trade discussions. After battling injuries last season, LaVine is averaging 23.7 points and 4.6 assists, regaining his All-Star form.

Head coach Billy Donovan has praised LaVine’s professionalism amid trade rumors.

“Whatever he did to evaluate the situation and what happened last year, the surgery and all those things, I’m not privy to, but he kind of took the approach of, ‘I’ve had a lot of time to reflect,'” Donovan said. “He’s been great in the locker room, he’s been great off the court, he’s been great with our guys.”

Injury Woes Continue for Chicago

The Bulls were also without Lonzo Ball due to a right quad contusion and left knee injury management. Ball, a Los Angeles native, has not played an NBA game in his hometown since November 2021 due to his ongoing knee issues.

Ready To Dominate NBA Betting?

Start With Proven Picks And Strategies Today!

Join Now!

Can the Clippers Keep Rolling Without Kawhi?

With Leonard out for rest and Harden possibly limited, the Clippers will need Powell, Zubac, and their supporting cast to step up. Meanwhile, Chicago desperately needs a win to stop their downward spiral.

Will the Clippers’ depth be enough to extend their winning streak, or can the Bulls snap their losing skid and take advantage of LA’s absences? Monday night’s matchup will provide the answer.