The Chicago Bulls are 2-0 for the first time since *checks notes* 2021. They’ve knocked off the upstart Detroit Pistons and the stealth Eastern Conference favorites, the Orlando Magic, in back-to-back games. And surprisingly enough, it wasn’t Chicago’s (sometimes) riveting uptempo offense that got it done—it was their defense, holding Detroit to 111 and Orlando to just 98.
Somehow, the Bulls have started the season undefeated without last year’s leading scorer, Coby White. In his absence, Chicago has seen two different players lead the team in scoring through the first two games: Nikola Vučević and Josh Giddey.
Josh Giddey popped up on the injury report
However, there’s a slight chance Chicago will be without one of its two leading scorers. Josh Giddey was added to the injury report with a sprain to the fourth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of his right finger. According to Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson, Giddey didn’t play in the final four and a half minutes against Orlando, though it’s unclear whether that was due to injury or performance. Johnson also noted that Giddey participated in shootaround ahead of tonight’s contest.
Still, Chicago isn’t without capable reinforcements if Giddey isn’t at full strength. The Bulls’ third- and fourth-leading scorers, Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter, could step in for Giddey if needed, with Tre Jones handling the floor general duties.
3 Hawks starters are expected to return to action
The Hawks’ injury situation is far more concerning. While none of the ailments appear serious, Atlanta has three starters listed as questionable. Their second, third, and fourth-leading scorers—Kristaps Porziņģis, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher—are all game-time decisions. None of the three suited up in Atlanta’s 117–100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Onyeka Okongwu filled in for Porziņģis, Mouhamed Gueye for Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker for Risacher. However, the three reserves will likely revert to their season-opening roles against Chicago. Porziņģis, Johnson, and Risacher all participated in Atlanta’s morning shootaround, offering optimism that the Hawks will roll out their preferred starting lineup ahead of a four-game road trip.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks
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: Josh Giddey (Right Finger; 4th MCP Sprain).
Atlanta Hawks
Out: Nikola Djurisic (Not With Team).
Questionable: Jalen Johnson (Right Ankle Sprain), Zaccharie Risacher (Right Ankle Sprain), Kristaps Porziņģis (Flu-like Symptoms).