Update: Coby White is expected to play Sunday against the Jazz
The Chicago Bulls (6-5) have taken a nosedive after coming out of the gates with five straight wins to start this season, but they could receive a massive boost when they take on the Utah Jazz (4-8).
Star guard Coby White is expected to make his season debut at some point on the team's three-game road trip that begins tonight in Salt Lake City. White is listed on the Bulls' injury report as "questionable." That marks a significant difference from the "out" status he's been given through Chicago's first 11 games.
Meanwhile, the Jazz will once again be without a critical frontcourt piece and could be down a pair of rotation wings.
Chicago Bulls may have Coby White for the first time this season
The 25-year-old White led the Bulls in scoring last season, posting a career-high 20.4 points per game. He became the team's clear No. 1 option by the end of the year, averaging 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists with shooting splits of 49/37/91 after the All-Star break.
White was named the NBA Player of the Month for March, when he averaged 27.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 15 games with shooting splits of 50/38/88.
Chicago signed Josh Giddey to a long-term deal and hoped for a second-year jump from Matas Buzelis, but it was White who was expected to be the Bulls' go-to scorer. Unfortunately, he hurt his calf during training camp, and the injury has lingered for far longer than anticipated.
Both the team and White, though, expect the two-guard back at some point in the next few games, perhaps as soon as tonight.
Utah Jazz closing a home stand relatively healthy
The Jazz have yet to find any consistent success this season, pairing four wins with a trio of three-game losing streaks. After scoring 152 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 11, Utah fell to the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 13, the third game of four straight at the Delta Center. Now comes a matchup with the Bulls.
Lauri Markkanen continues to be one of the NBA's best scorers, averaging 29.9 points through 12 games, which ranks sixth in the league. But he'll be without his team's defensive anchor, Walker Kessler, who's out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz
Fellow guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones are on the injury report alongside White for Chicago, while Kyle Anderson is a game-time decision for the Jazz.
Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (wrist)
Questionable: Tre Jones (ankle), Coby White (calf)
Probable: Josh Giddey (ankle)
Utah Jazz
Out: Walker Kessler (shoulder), Taylor Hendricks (hamstring), Georges Niang (foot)
Questionable: Kyle Anderson (back)