Even with a blowout loss two nights later, the Chicago Bulls' upset of the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on the road on Dec. 19 put the team's immediate plans in at least a somewhat questionable state of flux:
With opportunities to finally trade Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic reportedly on the table, the time for Chicago to strike and fully lean into a rebuild is now.
On the flip side, that win over Boston, coupled with the fact that the Bulls are only one game back of the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference and just 1.5 back of sixth, raises a small amount of doubt.
Should the franchise deal away its veteran stars or sit tight, play the year out with a chance of making the playoffs and revisit those significant decisions in the summer?
Chicago's next three games—two of which come against the Milwaukee Bucks and one against Atlanta—could go a long way in answering that question.
The Bulls welcome Milwaukee to town tonight and they might have lucked out based on the Bucks' latest injury report.
Lillard doubtful, Antetokounmpo questionable for Bucks vs. Bulls tonight
The Bucks are 14-4 since Nov. 16; that includes an Emirates NBA Cup Championship. They're coming off a blowout win over the Washington Wizards on Dec. 21.
That long stretch could be catching up with an older Milwaukee roster, though. Damian Lillard has missed both of the Bucks' post-Cup games, while Giannis Antetokounmpo was held out of the win over Washington.
Both are listed on Milwaukee's injury report for tonight's game in Chicago, as is veteran Khris Middleton. Catching the Bucks without their big three would significantly change the odds for the Bulls.
Josh Giddey, Torrey Craig questionable for Bulls
Chicago's injury report is far less intimidating.
Only two players are on it: Josh Giddey and end-of-the-bench forward Torrey Craig.
Full injury report for Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Questionable: Josh Giddey (ankle); Torrey Craig (Achilles)
Milwaukee Bucks
Doubtful: Damian Lillard (calf)
Questionable: Giannis Antetokounmpo (back); Chris Livingston (illness)
Probable: Khris Middleton (ankles)