The last time the Chicago Bulls and LA Clippers squared off, the Bulls won 112-99 on January 20. This was Chicago's first victory against LA since March of 2022. The Clippers had defeated the Bulls four consecutive times, including three games with a margin of victory of 10 points or more.
Former Bull Zach LaVine dominated the Clippers a month ago, to the tune of 35 points. LaVine converted over half of his field goal attempts and drilled five three-pointers in the 13-point win. Most Improved candidate Norman Powell led the Clippers in scoring. Powell dropped 27 points in the loss.
Clippers' Leonard is set to return; Powell remains out
Merely 37 days later, the Bulls will be without LaVine, and the Clippers will miss Powell. Of course, the latter remains on LA's roster. However, the 24.2 points per game scorer is nursing a left knee injury. Powell has been sidelined for three straight games following his 41-point outing against the Utah Jazz prior to the All-Star break. This season, the Clippers are 4-8 without their leading scorer.
Fortunately for LA, Kawhi Leonard is slated to make his return from injury. The six-time All-Star has missed three of the Clippers' last four contests due to left foot soreness. Leonard will make his return to the hardwood tonight against Chicago, as he's completely off the injury report.
Bulls to be without numerous key contributors
Chicago's injury report is much lengthier than LA's. Reserve forward Patrick Williams remains out as he recovers from an ailing right quadriceps. The 23-year-old received platelet-rich plasma injections six days ago and will be reassessed a week later.
Besides Williams, two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic will miss his second straight game with what's designated as right calf tightness. The 34-year-old popped up on the injury report following the Bulls' loss against the Phoenix Suns. Originally deemed probable versus the Philadelphia 76ers, Vucevic's status was suddenly downgraded to doubtful, then out. Reserve big man Jalen Smith will miss his third straight game as he recovers from a concussion he suffered against the New York Knicks.
While Chicago's frontline remains battered and bruised, the backcourt could see the return of a key member. Ayo Dosunmu, who's missed the Bulls' last two games, has been upgraded to questionable ahead of tonight's matchup. The 6-foot-5 guard exited the Bulls' overtime loss in New York early, with a stinger later deemed a left shoulder subluxation. Although he's listed as questionable, don't hold your breath, Dosunmu is closer to doubtful.
Bulls downgrade Nikola Vucevic to out, so look for Zach Collins to make second straight start.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 26, 2025
Ayo Dosunmu still listed as questionable but he didn’t do much at shootaround other than get shots up at end. Won’t be surprised to see him sit again.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs LA Clippers
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Jalen Smith (Concussion), Nikola Vucevic (Right Calf Tightness), Patrick Williams (Right Quadricep Tendinosis).
Questionable: Ayo Dosunmu (Left Shoulder Subluxation).
Probable: Lonzo Ball (Head Laceration), Zach Collins (Left Shin Pain), Kevin Huerter (Right Quadricep Contusion).
LA Clippers
Out: Norman Powell (Left Patellar Tendinopathy).