Thunder Face Bulls in Chicago as Gilgeous-Alexander Sidelined
CHICAGO, March 3, 2026 – The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to the United Center tonight to face the Chicago Bulls in a matchup of teams trending in opposite directions. While the Thunder continue to battle for the top seed in the Western Conference, they must navigate tonight’s contest without their leading MVP candidate.
Game Preview: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ruled Out
The Oklahoma City Thunder (47-15) enter tonight’s game as heavy favorites despite the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Reports indicate that while Gilgeous-Alexander recently returned from an abdominal strain to score 30 points in a 100-87 win over the Dallas Mavericks on March 1, he has been ruled out for tonight’s game in Chicago. The Thunder defense, currently ranked as the best in the league, will look to Chet Holmgren to lead the squad against a Bulls team that recently snapped a devastating 11-game losing streak.
The Chicago Bulls (25-36) are coming off a morale-boosting 120-97 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 1. Josh Giddey, facing his former team tonight, recorded a triple-double in that win, which saw the Bulls utilize a massive 27-0 scoring run. Despite the recent win, Chicago remains a double-digit underdog in most sportsbooks as they host the surging Thunder.
Head-to-Head Historical Context
The rivalry between these two franchises dates back to the Thunder’s origins as the Seattle SuperSonics. Historically, the matchup has been remarkably even, though Oklahoma City has held a slight edge in recent years.
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Regular Season Games | 159 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder Wins | 82 |
| Chicago Bulls Wins | 77 |
| Bulls Home Record (All-Time) | 50-32 |
| Thunder Home Record (All-Time) | 50-27 |
| First Meeting Year | 1966 |
Recent Form and Standings
Oklahoma City Thunder (47-15)
The Thunder have won two consecutive games, including a dominant defensive performance against Dallas last Sunday. They currently sit at the top of the NBA Power Rankings. Over their last 10 games, the total has gone “Over” seven times, reflecting a high-octane offense that complements their league-leading defense.
Chicago Bulls (25-36)
Chicago’s season has been defined by inconsistency, highlighted by their recent 11-game slide that ended just two days ago. The Bulls have struggled at home this season with a 15-17 record at the United Center. However, the emergence of Josh Giddey as a primary playmaker provides a narrative spark for tonight’s game against his former teammates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Thunder vs. Bulls game tonight?
The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing tonight?
No. Despite playing in the previous game against Dallas, Gilgeous-Alexander has been ruled out for the March 3 game against Chicago.
What was the result of the last meeting between these teams?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls 145-117 in their last meeting on March 31, 2025.
Where can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast on local sports networks and is available for streaming via Fubo TV and NBA League Pass.
Who are the betting favorites for tonight?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored by approximately 10.5 to 11 points, depending on the sportsbook, with a moneyline of -450.