Nets vs. Bulls: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Bulls (15-3) welcome the New Jersey Nets (5-12) to the Windy City for a Monday night clash. It's the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

Chicago hasn't missed a beat, even though star point guard Derrick Rose has missed the last four games with a toe injury. His status for tonight's game remains unclear. The signing of Richard Hamilton has allowed the Bulls to survive some adversity they probably wouldn't have in previous seasons.

It hasn't been such smooth sailing for the Nets. Brook Lopez still hasn't played a game this season due to a foot injury, and his teammates haven't been able to pick up the slack. The team was linked to Dwight Howard as a possible solution to those woes, but talks have quieted in recent weeks.

Where: United Center in Chicago, Ill.

When: Monday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: YES Network (Nets), WGN (Bulls) or NBA League Pass

Listen: WFAN 660 AM (Nets) or WMVP 1000 AM (Bulls)

Betting Line: Bulls -13.5

Key Injuries (via CBS Sports)

Nets: Brook Lopez (out, foot) and Damion James (out, foot)

Bulls: Luol Deng (out, wrist), Taj Gibson (out, ankle), Derrick Rose (questionable, toe), Joakim Noah (questionable, ankle) and John Lucas (questionable, groin)

What's At Stake?

With or without Rose, the Bulls will want to maintain their winning ways. In a condensed season like teams are currently enduring, there are going to be periods of poor play. So the more wins Chicago can rack up right now, the more room for error the Bulls will have moving forward.

It's also a chance for the Nets to get things turned around. Despite their poor record, they are only two games out of a playoff spot in the top-heavy East. A marquee victory over the Bulls could provide them with the boost they need to get on a roll of their own.

What They're Saying

Colin Stephenson of The Star-Ledger passed along some thoughts from Deron Williams about having to play three games in as many days due to the NBA's shortened schedule::

"

Williams said he doesn’t know how his body will react when the Nets play Monday night in the United Center against the Chicago Bulls in their third game in three nights.

“Hopefully we’ll be all right,” Williams said.

“It does kind of stink to have (the Bulls) sitting there, waiting on us, but that’s part of the business. We’ll try to go in there fighting and get a win against a great team.”

"

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that Rose is expected to return for tonight's game, but nothing is official at this point:

"

As for Rose, he said he is leaning toward playing.

"It’s a little sore but I practiced and felt decent," Rose said. "Hopefully, I’ll be playing. I’m not 100 percent. But I did the whole walk through. They put things in my shoes to make me feel more comfortable."

"

Nets Player to Watch: Kris Humphries

Humphries continues to be public enemy No. 1 when he plays on the road following his divorce from Kim Kardashian. Opposing fans have made a habit out of booing the power forward whenever he checks into the game.

Despite that extra attention, Humphries has developed into a solid post presence. He's averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs, and is shooting 50 percent from the field. He'll face a tough test against the Bulls' frontcourt, though.

Bulls Player to Watch: Carlos Boozer

Boozer is one of the players Humphries will have to deal with tonight. The two-time All-Star is off to his worst start since his rookie season. At just 15 points and eight rebounds per game, he's not having nearly the impact the Bulls were expecting from him.

While his lack of production is being masked by the team's depth right now, it's will be a concern if he doesn't pick up the pace by midseason. If Chicago wants to make a run toward an NBA title, Boozer will need to play a more vital role on a nightly basis.

Key Matchup: MarShon Brooks vs. Ronnie Brewer

The immediate impact Brooks has had has been one of the season's few pleasant surprises for the Nets. He's scoring 15 points per game, which has at least allowed the offense to remain afloat, and has a very bright future ahead of him.

He'll matchup with Brewer tonight, who is expected to take the spot of the injured Luol Deng. He never developed into the scorer the Utah Jazz were hoping for when they selected him, but he's rock-solid defensively. He will provide a good measuring stick for Brooks.

Prediction

Bulls 99, Nets 88