Game Details
- Date & Time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT)
- Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
- Broadcast: Root Sports NW (Portland), NBC Sports Chicago (Bulls), NBA League Pass (streaming)
- Teams’ Records (as of Nov. 19): Portland Trail Blazers (4-10, 5th in Northwest Division) vs. Chicago Bulls (6-8, 4th in Central Division)
- Series History (2025 Season): First meeting; Bulls hold a 3-1 edge in the last four matchups dating back to 2024, with an average margin of 7.5 points.
The Chicago Bulls host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night in a Central-Northwest matchup that pits two rebuilding squads against each other in a battle for early-season momentum. Portland, mired in a four-game losing streak, seeks to leverage its rebounding prowess on the road, while the Bulls aim to build on a recent 2-1 homestand amid defensive inconsistencies. This contest could turn into a grind-it-out affair, with both teams ranking outside the top 20 in pace and emphasizing interior play at the United Center.
Team Overviews
Portland Trail Blazers (4-10) The Blazers occupy the basement of the Northwest Division, averaging 109.4 points per game (24th in NBA) under Chauncey Billups’ youth-centric system. Their offense leans on three-point volume (38.1 attempts per game, 4th), but efficiency from deep (34.8%, 25th) has been a liability. Defensively, they’ve been stout on the glass (45.6 rebounds per game, 7th), but perimeter breakdowns allow 37.4% opponent three-point shooting (27th). Road struggles (1-6 record) include surrendering 118.2 points away.
Key contributors in the 2025 season:
- Anfernee Simons (SG): 24.2 PPG and 4.9 APG in 14 games, leading the team in scoring bursts (30+ in 3 outings). His 36.8% three-point shooting on 10.2 attempts creates spacing, though turnovers (3.1 per game) persist.
- Scoot Henderson (PG): 18.6 PPG and 5.8 APG, with 12.1 fast-break points generated (team-high). Henderson’s quickness yields a 3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio, but defensive metrics (1.1 steals) lag.
- Deandre Ayton (C): 16.4 PPG and 11.2 RPG, anchoring the paint with 54.2% FG shooting. His 1.1 BPG helps, but foul trouble (3.4 per game) caps minutes at 28.4.
- Jerami Grant (SF/PF): 20.1 PPG and 4.2 RPG, versatile on both ends (1.8 steals). Grant’s 47.6% FG supports transition, but he’s sat out 4 games with hamstring issues.
Recent form: Portland dropped a 118-105 decision to the Nuggets on Nov. 16, with Simons scoring 28 on 10-of-18 shooting. Their road offense averages 102.3 PPG, highlighting scoring droughts.
Chicago Bulls (6-8) The Bulls hover in fourth place in the Central, posting 112.6 points per game (17th) in Billy Donovan’s balanced attack. They excel in paint scoring (54.2 points, 5th) but rank 23rd in three-point percentage (35.1%). Defensive rebounding (44.8 per game, 10th) is a strength, but overall efficiency (opponent eFG% 53.8, 22nd) has led to close losses. At home, they’re 4-3 with a +4.2 net rating.
Key contributors in the 2025 season:
- Zach LaVine (SG): 25.8 PPG and 4.1 APG, shooting 46.2% from the field and 37.4% from three. LaVine’s isolation scoring (32.1% usage) powers the offense, with 5.2 RPG adding versatility.
- Coby White (PG/SG): 20.4 PPG and 4.8 APG, leading in assists (team-high 4.8). White’s 39.2% three-point shooting on 8.4 attempts stretches defenses, but he averages 2.9 turnovers.
- Nikola Vučević (PF/C): 18.2 PPG and 10.4 RPG, with 3.1 APG. His double-double threat (team-high 10.4 boards) bolsters rebounding, though mobility issues limit defensive impact (0.7 BPG).
- Ayo Dosunmu (PG): 12.6 PPG and 3.4 APG off the bench, with 1.4 steals. Dosunmu’s energy (48.6% FG) aids transition (13.2 points per game, 12th).
Recent form: Chicago outlasted the Hornets 115-110 on Nov. 17, with LaVine dropping 29 points on 11-of-19 shooting. Their home defense holds foes to 108.4 PPG.
Key Matchups to Watch
- LaVine vs. Simons (Scoring Guards): LaVine’s mid-range prowess (49.2%) challenges Simons’ volume (10.2 3PA), with Chicago’s pressure potentially forcing errors in Portland’s backcourt.
- Vučević vs. Ayton (Big Man Duel): Vučević’s passing (3.1 APG) meets Ayton’s rebounding (11.2), in a battle for paint control where Portland’s fouls (20.4 per game) could play a role.
- White vs. Henderson (Playmakers): White’s efficiency (39.2% 3PT) tests Henderson’s speed, with the Bulls’ pace (99.2 possessions, 15th) favoring quick transitions.
- Bench Production: Bulls’ reserves score 40.2 PPG (8th); Blazers’ 35.2 (25th). Dosunmu’s steals vs. Portland’s second unit could swing momentum.
Statistical Trends (2025 Season)
- Offense: Bulls 17th in PPG (112.6) and 5th in paint points (54.2); Blazers 24th in PPG (109.4) but 7th in RPG (45.6).
- Defense: Both average—Bulls 22nd in opponent eFG% (53.8), Blazers 27th in opponent 3PT% (37.4). Chicago forces 14.2 turnovers (11th); Portland allows 38.1 3PA (4th).
- Pace & Rebounding: Projected pace 99.5; Bulls 10th in rebounds (44.8), Blazers 7th (45.6)—expect a physical frontcourt.
- Head-to-Head: Last 5 meetings averaged 220.8 points; Bulls win by 6.8 at home.
Injury Report (as of Nov. 19)
- Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant (questionable, hamstring—limited practice). Deni Avdija (probable, ankle).
- Bulls: Lonzo Ball (out, knee—season-ending). No other concerns.
Tip-off is 8:00 p.m. ET—catch the action as two young cores clash in Chicago.