Coby White spent seven seasons in Chicago, suiting up for 451 games for the Bulls. He ranks 20th all-time in games and minutes, 12th in scoring, and second in three-pointers. And tonight, for the first time, he’ll face them—in a different jersey.
Coby White to make his Hornets debut
Chicago traded White, along with Mike Conley Jr., who had been acquired in a prior deal, to the Charlotte Hornets for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng (later rerouted), and two second-round picks. The package was originally three seconds, but it was amended after White’s physical revealed a left calf injury.
Consequently, although he was traded on February 4, it will have taken White nearly three weeks to make his debut. A left calf strain delayed his arrival, which is the latest in a string of lower-leg issues that have plagued the 26-year-old guard this season.
His year began with a right calf strain suffered in the offseason, postponing his season debut. In November, he missed time with left calf tightness, then sat out five games in late December and early January due to tightness in the right calf again.
However, White finally appears healthy, as he’s been listed as available on the Hornets’ injury report. He’s joined by second-round standout big man Ryan Kalkbrenner, who is also available. Charlotte lists just one player as out: fellow rookie Liam McNeely, who's sidelined with an ankle sprain.
Chicago to be without several key contributors
The Bulls’ injury report is a bit lengthier, which includes two of their seven trade deadline additions. Both Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons will miss tonight’s game.
Ivey is dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome in his left knee, commonly known as “runner’s knee." He's slated to miss at least seven games. Simons will sit out his second straight contest with a wrist contusion, though a timeline has yet to be set for the former Boston Celtic.
Lastly, Jalen Smith is listed as questionable with a calf strain. Smith has been in and out of the injury report for almost a month due to lingering calf issues. He most recently exited Chicago’s loss to the New York Knicks with calf tightness, leaving his status uncertain against Charlotte.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (Left Scaphoid Fracture), Noa Essengue (G League Assignment), Jaden Ivey (Left Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome), Anfernee Simons (Left Wrist Contusion).
Questionable: Jalen Smith (Left Calf Strain).
Charlotte Hornets
Out: Liam McNeely (Left Ankle Sprain), Tidjane Salaun (G League Assignment).
Available: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Left Ankle Sprain), Coby White (Left Calf Strain).