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Bulls vs Rockets NBA Pick: Who Has The Edge In This East vs West Matchup? (Mar 23)

Published Mar 22, 11:13pm ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Mar 22, 11:13pm ET

Pick status
Bulls host the Rockets on Monday night at the United Center.

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Updated Mar 22, 11:13pm ET

  • The Bulls are 28-42 following back-to-back losses to Toronto and Cleveland.
  • Meanwhile, Houston improved to 43-27 after beating the Hawks and the Heat.
  • These teams previously met on Jan. 13, with the Rockets winning 119-113.

One of the games on Monday's NBA slate features the Chicago Bulls hosting the Houston Rockets. Who has the edge in our Bulls vs Rockets pick?

Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets Overview Watch On: SCHIN

DATE & TIME

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026 @ 8:00PM ET
Chicago Bulls
United Center
Chicago, IL
Houston Rockets
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Chicago Bulls +8.5 (-112)
Houston Rockets -8.5 (-107)

The Bulls look to regroup following a loss to Cleveland

Chicago enters this tilt amid a two-game losing streak. The team's latest outing was a 115-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

ALSO SEE: Heat vs Spurs | Odds and NBA Pick (Mar 23)

The Bulls trailed by as many as 29 points but rallied to get within three late in the fourth quarter. After Tre Jones missed a 3-pointer and Leonard Miller blew a layup, James Harden's clutch pull-up jumper iced the game for Cleveland.

Jones paced the offense with 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Rob Dillingham led the second unit with 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field.

Houston is aiming for its third straight win

After suffering back-to-back losses against the Lakers, Houston has won two straight, including a 123-122 victory against the Miami Heat on Saturday night.

The Rockets trailed by 9 points but pulled within 1 late in regulation. And on the game's final possession, Amen Thompson converted a tip-in at the buzzer, allowing the Rockets to escape with a one-point win.

Kevin Durant scored 27 points and passed Michael Jordan for fifth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Thompson finished with 24 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists for a Houston squad that shot 52 percent overall and 46 percent from deep.

Bulls vs Rockets NBA Pick

Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.

  • The Bulls are 4-16 (SU) in their last 20 games.
  • Chicago is 7-3 ATS in its previous 10 outings.
  • The Rockets are 5-5 (SU) in their last 10 contests.
  • Houston is 1-5 ATS in its previous six matchups.

The Bulls have dropped four of the previous five meetings in this series. Conversely, Houston is 5-1 in its last six matchups against Eastern Conference opponents and 7-0 against teams in the Central Division.

Pick: Houston Rockets

Pick
Houston Rockets
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