Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 24, 2026

Washington got off to a fun start against Milwaukee. Chicago's opener was rough. Now the Washington Wizards visit the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday, with tipoff at 8:00 pm ET on MNMT and NBA League Pass. Washington is 1-0, tied for first in the Southeast Division after beating the Bucks 128-116. Chicago is 0-1, tied for last in the Central after losing 135-92 to Toronto. Both teams play Friday, so Saturday is the second night of a back-to-back for each: Washington hosts Toronto, while Chicago travels to Milwaukee. Cash a winning ticket with our free NBA picks.

Washington Wizards Got Plenty from Their New Faces

Milwaukee led for much of Wednesday's game, and Washington wasn't helping itself from outside. The Wizards missed 18 of their first 22 three-point attempts. Then the fourth quarter arrived, and suddenly the Bucks couldn't keep up. Washington went on a 21-4 run and turned a close game into a 128-116 victory. The Wizards scored 77 points after halftime, shot 52% overall and finished with 44 rebounds and seven blocks. They also allowed 116 points, so there are defensive issues to work on. Still, the comeback gave Washington a first night to celebrate.

Anthony Davis made quite an introduction, putting up 34 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Trae Young scored 20 and handed out 13 assists, the most on either side. Deandre Ayton and Bilal Coulibaly shared the Wizards' blocks lead with two apiece. Coulibaly also had four steals. Davis and Young got much of the attention, but Washington had several useful contributions throughout the lineup. The Wizards will want to keep finding Davis near the basket, especially against a Chicago defense that struggled badly in its opener.

Injuries: Felix Okpara is questionable with an illness. AJ Dybantsa, Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are out.

Chicago Bulls Need a Much Better Shooting Night

There's no gentle way to describe Chicago's visit to Toronto. The Raptors put up 43 points in the opening quarter, and the Bulls never got close to taking control. Chicago lost 135-92, shooting just 4-for-36 from three-point range. The Bulls also handed the ball away 27 times, and Toronto turned those mistakes into 35 points. Chicago did collect 57 rebounds and five blocks, but those numbers weren't enough to offset everything else. Giving up 135 points is difficult to overcome when the shots aren't falling.

Matas Buzelis led Chicago with 17 points and two blocks against Toronto. Caleb Wilson scored 16, though his nine turnovers hurt. Jalen Smith collected a team-high eight rebounds, while Josh Giddey had six assists to lead the Bulls. Giddey scored only two points on 1-for-10 shooting, another reason the offense stalled. Chicago needs better decision-making, not just more made jumpers. The Bulls got chances at the basket Wednesday, but they can't afford another night where empty possessions pile up so quickly.

Injuries: Dailyn Swain, Jordan Hawkins, Zach Collins, Tobe Awaka and Josh Giddey are listed as questionable.

Key To The Game

Chicago turned the ball over 27 times in its opener. Washington had 11 steals against Milwaukee, so careless passing could hurt the Bulls again. Chicago's 57 rebounds offer a way to compete, provided those extra possessions become points.

Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls Game Pick

• Washington Wizards

Washington has the better opening result, and Davis gives the Wizards a reliable option whenever the offense slows down. Young also showed how quickly he can create shots for teammates. Chicago can rebound, but 27 turnovers and a rough shooting night made its first game difficult to watch. The Bulls should play better at home, yet Washington has more dependable scoring options. The Wizards will win this matchup on Saturday.

Washington Wizards vs Chicago Bulls Over/Under Pick

• Under

Washington scored 128 in its opener, but Chicago's offense looked nowhere near that level in Toronto. The Bulls missed 32 three-point attempts and gave away 27 possessions, making it difficult to build any rhythm. Washington can score inside through Davis, though its own defense allowed 116 against Milwaukee. Chicago needs better possessions. There's room for points here, but Chicago's shooting concerns make the under the preferred direction for Saturday's matchup.