Following a 22-point win over the Brooklyn Nets, the Chicago Bulls host the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time this season. The Bulls collide with a Clippers team riding a six-game winning streak, though Chicago could be in line for a boost ahead of the matchup.
Josh Giddey questionable for tonight
After missing the Bulls’ last 10 games, Josh Giddey could return against the Clippers. The guard has been sidelined since late December after suffering a strained hamstring versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Giddey practiced with the Windy City Bulls on January 18, and according to head coach Billy Donovan, everything went well. As a result, the Aussie’s window of availability has opened, putting him in line to return either tonight or Thursday, coincidentally in Minnesota.
Getting Giddey back would be a major boost for Chicago, which faces a daunting schedule in the coming days. Aside from Giddey, the Bulls’ injury report is relatively light. Zach Collins remains sidelined while recovering from a toe sprain, and Patrick Williams is the only other player with an injury designation—though he is expected to return to the rotation later this week.
Kawhi Leonard out for Clippers
The Clippers, meanwhile, will be without Kawhi Leonard for a third straight game. Leonard is in the midst of a bounce-back campaign in his age-34 season, averaging a career-high 28.2 points while adding 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a league-leading 2.2 steals per game. He’s shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and 39.9 percent from three-point range.
While Leonard’s injury is officially listed as a knee contusion, any knee issue is concerning, given his injury history. Los Angeles will also be without forward Derrick Jones Jr., who is dealing with a more severe knee injury—an MCL sprain. The high-flying forward suffered the sprain on January 3 and is set to be reevaluated in mid-February. This marks his second MCL sprain this season.
Lastly, reserve guard Bogdan Bogdanovic remains sidelined while tending to a hamstring injury. He has been out since late December, and there is currently no clear timeline for the 33-year-old’s return.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Clippers
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).
Questionable: Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain), Patrick Williams (Right Ankle Sprain).
Los Angeles Clippers
Out: Bradley Beal (Left Hip Fracture), Bogdan Bogdanovic (Left Hamstring Injury Management), Derrick Jones Jr. (Right Knee Sprain), Kawhi Leonard (Left Knee Contusion), Chris Paul (Not with team).
Questionable: Cam Christie (Abdominal Soreness).