Here's what you need to know before the Chicago Bulls' back-to-back road games in Los Angeles.
After losing to the LA Lakers 130-142 last night, the Chicago Bulls (27-39) have less than 24 hours to rest for the next battle in the same city. Fatigue and travel could be the primary storylines tonight as the Bulls head to the Intuit Dome to face the LA Clippers (33-32). With the Bulls fighting to stay afloat in the East's Play-In race, tonight’s back-to-back presents a massive test of endurance.
Despite pressure of the injury, the new-look roster has meshed with flashes of brilliance, particularly rookie Matas Buzelis, who is averaging over 22 points in his last five games. The return of Josh Giddey and Jalen Smith yesterday provided a much-needed depth boost, but the Bulls’ defense remains a concern, especially on tired legs. To pull off an upset, Chicago will need to find a way to slow down a red-hot Clippers’ offense, averaging nearly 128 points per game over their last seven outings.
The Clippers, currently holding the 8th seed in the West, are well-rested and riding a four-game home winning streak. Kawhi Leonard is coming off a staggering 45-point performance in a high-scoring 153-128 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the addition of Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland at the deadline has given them various scoring punches that make them difficult to defend in transition. For a Bulls squad that has struggled to limit second-chance points, the priority tonight has to be interior discipline.
Beyond the immediate fatigue of a back-to-back, Chicago must contend with a specialized "Intuit Dome factor." The Clippers’ home court has become an offensive haven where they've played comfortably amidst the special vibe. With the Bulls already struggling to rotate on the perimeter, Kawhi Leonard’s efficiency — shooting over 55% in March — poses a significant threat.
How to Watch
Chicago Bulls (27-39) vs. LA Clippers (33-32)
Location: Intuit Dome | Inglewood, CA
Tipoff: Friday, March 13, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. CT (10:30 p.m. ET)
TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), KTLA | Announcers: Adam Amin, Stacey King Radio: WSCR AM 670, AM 570 LA Sports | Announcers: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington
Betting Odds (FanDuel)
Betting Line: Clippers -12.5
Moneyline: Clippers -650,
Bulls +475 Over/Under: 234.5
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Injury Report
Chicago Bulls
- Noa Essengue / Zach Collins: Out for Season
- Jaden Ivey: Out (Knee)
- Patrick Williams: Doubtful (Ankle)
- Anfernee Simons: Questionable (Wrist)
- Collin Sexton: Questionable (Lower Leg)
- Isaac Okoro: Doubtful (Knee)
- Guerschon Yabusele: Questionable (Foot)
LA Clippers
- Bradley Beal: Out for Season (Hip)
- Darius Garland: Out (Toe/Injury Management)
- John Collins: Out (Neck)
- Yanic Konan Niederhauser: Out for Season (Foot)
Last Game Starters
Chicago Bulls vs. LA Lakers (March 12)
- G Tre Jones
- G Josh Giddety
- F Leonard Miller
- F Matas Buzelis
- C Jalen Smith
LA Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (March 11)
- G Kris Dunn
- G Darius Garland
- F Kawhi Leonard
- F Derrick Jones Jr.
- C Brook Lopez