Clippers Aim for Continued Success Against Visiting Bulls

Los Angeles looks to build on historic turnaround as Chicago comes to town

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:10pm

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The Los Angeles Clippers, who have made a remarkable turnaround from a 6-21 start to the season, will host the Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Clippers are coming off a 153-128 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in which they became the first team in NBA history to go 15 games under .500 and then rally to go one game over in the same season. The Bulls, meanwhile, are 3-3 since an 11-game losing streak and are dealing with several key injuries.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams heading in different directions. The Clippers' stunning turnaround has them firmly in playoff position, while the Bulls are struggling to stay afloat amid a rash of injuries and roster changes. The game could provide insight into whether the Clippers' resurgence is sustainable and whether the Bulls can right the ship.

The details

The Clippers' revival has been fueled by the play of Kawhi Leonard, who has averaged 30.0 points per game since Dec. 20 and has been the team's leading scorer in 16 of the past 18 games. The team has also benefited from trades that brought in Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland. The Bulls, meanwhile, have been dealing with injuries to key players like Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Patrick Williams, and have also made several trades at the deadline.

  • The Clippers' historic turnaround began on Dec. 18, when they were 6-21.
  • Since then, the Clippers have gone 27-11 and moved one game over .500.
  • The Clippers and Bulls last met on Jan. 20, with the Bulls winning 138-110 at home.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star forward has been the driving force behind the team's turnaround, averaging 30.0 points per game since Dec. 20.

Bennedict Mathurin

The rookie guard was acquired by the Clippers in a trade and has helped bolster the team's roster.

Darius Garland

The young point guard was also acquired by the Clippers in a trade and has been a key contributor to the team's success.

Matas Buzelis

The Bulls' rookie forward has been a bright spot for the team, averaging 27.7 points over the first three games of the team's current road trip.

Collin Sexton

The Bulls' guard has missed multiple games due to a leg injury, contributing to the team's struggles.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just happy we got the same jersey on instead of being on the opposite side of the ball. I'm super happy to be able to run the flow with him, swing him the ball as much as I can, and just watch him go to work.”

— Darius Garland

“My mindset before I go into a game is everything is earned; nothing is given, nothing is a guarantee. I believe I can do it consistently, but I have to do it. I have to show it.”

— Matas Buzelis (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game will provide a glimpse into the diverging trajectories of the Clippers and Bulls. The Clippers' historic turnaround has them firmly in playoff position, while the Bulls are struggling to stay afloat amid injuries and roster changes. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.