The Chicago Bulls’ 6-1 start can’t be overstated. Coming into the season with an over/under of just 32.5 wins, Chicago has already racked up nearly a fifth of that total in just over two weeks of play.
Yet, the Bulls’ schedule is no cakewalk. Chicago faces the Milwaukee Bucks on November 7, followed by games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and Detroit Pistons. Those four teams are a combined 21-10—definitely no easy sledding.
Chicago could see Dosunmu back in action
The Bulls have been at a disadvantage so far, as last season’s leading scorer, Coby White, has missed every game with a calf strain. White suffered the injury in the offseason, and his return has taken longer than expected. He was originally slated to appear in the preseason, but his timeline was pushed back. Following a two-week re-evaluation, Head Coach Billy Donovan said, “The hope is, in a couple of weeks, he’ll play.”
White will miss his eighth consecutive game against Milwaukee, and he’s not the only one sidelined. Zach Collins, who suffered a wrist fracture in the preseason, will also miss Chicago’s matchup with the Bucks.
Additionally, Ayo Dosunmu, the team’s third-leading scorer, could miss a third straight game with a quad contusion. He’s listed as questionable once again for Chicago’s game against the Bucks—a designation that’s held since the November 2 matchup with the New York Knicks. On the bright side, the 25-year-old participated in Thursday’s practice, raising the possibility of a return from his brief absence.
Milwaukee to be without Porter Jr. and Prince
The Bucks are nearly at full strength but will be missing two key players: Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince. Porter Jr. started Milwaukee’s opening night game but sprained his ankle after scoring 10 points in just nine minutes.
The sprained ankle isn’t what’s keeping the 25-year-old guard sidelined. Porter Jr. reportedly tore the meniscus in his right knee while rehabbing the ankle, requiring surgery. As a result, Milwaukee’s starting shooting guard will be out for at least a month.
Finally, Prince, who has played in all eight games this season, has been ruled out with a neck strain. So far, he’s averaging 6.1 points and 1.5 three-pointers per game. With Prince out, Amir Coffey is expected to take on a larger role.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (Left Scaphoid Fracture), Coby White (Right Calf Strain).
Questionable: Ayo Dosunmu (Left Quad Contusion).
Milwaukee Bucks
Out: Kevin Porter Jr. ( Right Knee Meniscus Surgery), Taurean Price (Neck Strain).