Preview: Washington Wizards to Host Chicago Bulls for Last Time

As the 2025-26 NBA season wraps up, the Washington Wizards will look to build some positive momentum heading into next season. 

Washington, currently on a seven game losing streak, will host the Chicago Bulls for the third and final time this season. Chicago recently snapped a seven game losing streak of their own after defeating Washington 129-98 on April 7, 2026. 

Like Washington, Chicago has had an underwhelming season of their own, as their current 30-49 record has not been enough to get them into the playoffs. 

Two losing teams in Washington and Chicago will turn to their youth in this matchup, with both squads being extremely short handed due to injury. 

With three games remaining in the regular season, Washington will rely on their youth to finish the season strong. Players such as Bub Carrington, Will Riley and Bilal Coulibaly will play heavy minutes in hopes to see even more player development. 

In Tuesday's meeting against Chicago, Carrington played 32 minutes, Riley played 31 minutes and Coulibaly played 24 minutes. The expectation is that all three players get similar playing time in tonight's matchup. 

Washington will need to find an answer for Chicago guard Rob Dillingham, as he scored a game high of 26 points on Tuesday. Dillingham was part of the Ayo Dosumu trade at this year's trade deadline, and has shown significant flashes this season for Chicago. Dillingham not only scored 26 points, but did it on an efficient 9-for-15 shooting and 5-for-8 from three. Washington will need to find an answer for Dillingham tonight, and that answer could come in the form of rookie guard Jamir Watkins. 

Watkins played 22 minutes on Tuesday, and scored 13 points on 4-for-10 shooting. However, Watkins' strength isn't in his offensive game, but his defense and versatility. Standing at 6-foot-6, Watkins possesses elite size as a combo guard, and his raw athleticism and strength makes him a legitimate on-ball defending threat. Watkins could be a good answer to slow down Dillingham if he once again gets hot. 

As Washington continues to look for signs of improvement within their youth, they will also give unproven players an opportunity to "try out" over the next few games. Players such as Leaky Black, Julian Reese and Sharife Cooper will all have opportunities to showcase their talents in hopes to make Washington's roster next season. 

Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET at Capital One Arena.

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