It wasn’t long ago that the Chicago Bulls faced the Boston Celtics, meeting on January 24, the same night Chicago immortalized Derrick Rose’s jersey. Yet the game already feels like a lifetime ago. The Bulls secured the win on a last-second Kevin Huerter three-pointer, improving to 23-22, moving back above .500 for the first time since November 26. Coby White led the way with 22 points, while Nikola Vučević added 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Fast forward less than three weeks, and everything has changed. Huerter is now with the Detroit Pistons, White has landed with the Charlotte Hornets, and Vučević is set to suit up for the Celtics. Meanwhile, the Bulls sit at 24–30, having won just one game since that January thriller.
Chicago to be without several contributors
Chicago’s lineup will look drastically different from the last time these teams met. A litany of trades has reshaped the Bulls’ roster, and three players who suited up on January 24 now enter the matchup listed as doubtful or questionable.
Josh Giddey and Jalen Smith carry doubtful designations, joining Tre Jones, who was injured in the game prior to the Bulls’ first matchup with Boston. Giddey and Jones are both dealing with hamstring strains, and although they’ve made progress in recent days, they will likely have to wait until after the All-Star break to return. Smith, meanwhile, has alternated between out, doubtful, and questionable over the past few games. He has missed Chicago’s previous two contests and appears in danger of missing a third straight.
Furthermore, Isaac Okoro popped up on the Bulls’ injury report with left knee soreness. He has made 46 appearances this season, all starts, and has seen his minutes increase in February amid the trade-deadline flurry. If the 6-foot-5 wing can’t go tonight, Chicago could be in serious trouble without its best option to slow down Jaylen Brown.
Jayson Tatum back on the hardwood
As for the Celtics, their injury report is nearly spotless. Boston lists just one player, Jayson Tatum, after upgrading both Neemias Queta and Sam Hauser from probable to available.
While Tatum has been a regular on Boston’s injury report all season after suffering a torn Achilles in the 2025 postseason, his return may be approaching. Less than a year removed from the injury, Tatum has returned to the practice floor. He has participated in 5-on-5 scrimmages and has also practiced with Boston’s G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. However, it remains unclear whether he will appear in a game this season.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery).
Doubtful: Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain), Tre Jones (Left Hamstring Strain), Jalen Smith (Right Calf Strain).
Questionable: Isaac Okoro (Left Knee Soreness).
Boston Celtics
Out: Jayson Tatum (Right Achilles Repair).