Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.
Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.
Simons doesn't have a clear timetable for a return, and the expectation is that he'll return to action once the pain subsides. The sharpshooter re-aggravated an injury he dealt with during training camp this past fall, which cost him around 10 days. With Simons likely to miss at least Chicago's next two games, Tre Jones and Collin Sexton have an opportunity to seize a more pronounced role.
Giddey rolled his ankle during the Bulls' loss to the Thunder on Thursday. The injury will prevent him from suiting up Thursday, and the fifth-year pro's next opportunity to play is Sunday against the Kings. Rob Dillingham and Collin Sexton figure to be the top candidates to enter the Bulls' starting lineup in Giddey's absence.
Collins has not played since sustaining the injury against the Bucks on Dec. 27. He was recently reevaluated by medical staff, who determined that season-ending surgery was the best course of action for the veteran big man. Collins was limited to just 10 regular-season games due to injury and averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 threes over 18.4 minutes per game. He will enter the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
Williams appears to be moving in the right direction, as he was upgraded to doubtful before officially being ruled out ahead of Thursday's clash, but he's not yet ready for a return. His next chance to do so will arrive Sunday against the Kings.
Out
J. Ivey
While Ivey could meet the club at some point, this update makes it sound as though the guard will remain out for the length of the road trip, which is scheduled to conclude March 13 in Los Angeles. Head coach Billy Donovan noted that Ivey will remain in Chicago to work on strengthening his leg, per Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, with the hope that he'll be able to take the court again this season. If Ivey doesn't appear during the road trip, his next chance to suit up would arrive March 16 against Memphis.
Smith was added to the injury report as doubtful ahead of Thursday's matchup, so this update is no real surprise. His next chance to take the court will arrive Sunday in Sacramento.
Buzelis will miss his first game of the season after picking up an ankle injury in Chicago's previous matchup Tuesday against Oklahoma City. Jalen Smith (calf) and Patrick Williams (quadriceps) are also out, so it'll be up to Leonard Miller, Lachlan Olbrich and Nick Richards to step up in the frontcourt.
The No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Essengue's rookie season comes to an end with just two brief appearances to his name. The Bulls had a plan to bring him along slowly, to be clear, and he showed a lot of promise in four G League appearances with averages of 23.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 three-pointers.
CHI