Fireworks were on display the last time the Chicago Bulls faced off against the Utah Jazz. The two teams combined for nearly 300 points in a 150–147 double-overtime thriller. Coby White played hero in his first appearance of the season, hitting a game-tying layup in overtime, before Keyonte George ultimately put a dagger in the Bulls with a game-winning triple in the second extra frame.
Jazz expected to be without top scorer
Despite strong performances from both White and George, Lauri Markkanen was arguably the player of the game, pouring in 47 points against his old team. However, the Bulls likely won’t have to worry about a repeat performance this time around, as the 7-footer is listed as doubtful with an illness.
Markkanen was absent from Utah’s injury report a day prior to gameday, but later popped up as questionable before being downgraded to doubtful. As a result, it’s unlikely the Finnish big man will suit up against Chicago.
Giddey out, White in for Bulls
On the flip side, Chicago will be without Josh Giddey, who posted a 26-point, 13-rebound, 13-assist triple-double the last time the Bulls squared off against the Jazz. Giddey suffered a hamstring strain in Chicago’s penultimate game of 2025, with a re-evaluation date initially set for January 13. While there’s been no definitive update on his recovery timeline, he has recently returned to the court for non-contact work.
As for the aforementioned White, who saw his first action of the season against the Jazz, he’ll be available without an injury designation for part II against Utah. White sat out Chicago’s Monday matchup with the Houston Rockets due to “right calf injury management,” doing so in order to play in the latter half of the back-to-back.
Aside from Giddey, Chicago will notably be without Zach Collins. Collins is dealing with a first toe sprain that is more serious than initially believed. Additionally, reserve forward Julian Phillips is making his second consecutive appearance on the Bulls’ injury report with a wrist sprain. Phillips missed Chicago’s Monday night affair against Houston despite being listed as questionable.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz
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), Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain).
Questionable: Julian Phillips (Left Wrist Sprain).
Utah Jazz
Out: Walker Kessler (Left Shoulder Injury recovery), Kevin Love (Rest), Georges Niang (Left Foot; Fourth metatarsal stress reaction).
Doubtful: Lauri Markkanen (Illness).