The Chicago Bulls are fresh off a 130-124 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors, which, let’s be real, is honestly a loss when you’re jockeying for lottery positioning. The Los Angeles Lakers have won six of their last seven games, and, in the process, are discovering that life isn’t so bad without LeBron James.
The two teams will face off tonight (March 12) in L.A. — which names appear on the respective injury reports, and will stars like James and Buzelis be available at tipoff?
Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Collin Sexton statuses up in the air for Bulls
Buzelis poured in a career-high 41 points in Chicago's win over Golden State two nights ago. He's listed as probable to face the Lakers. If the Bulls have any designs on winning — like a real, actual victory — they'll need their 21-year-old to play and play well.
Josh Giddey is also probable as he deals with an ankle injury. The Aussie floor general had a 21-point, 13-rebound, 17-assist triple-double in his team's win over the Warriors. Chicago may need him to mess around and get another triple-double tonight.
Sexton has been a serious bright spot for the Bulls, as they've played miserable basketball since the trade deadline. The 27-year-old missed Tuesday's game in Golden State, but is Chicago's second-leading scorer since coming to the Windy City in the Coby White deal.
Sexton is averaging 16.2 points and scored 28 and 30, respectively, in his last two games. He's listed as questionable with a left leg injury.
LeBron James questionable to face Chicago Bulls
The Lakers have won three straight contests (Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves) while James has been sidelined with arthritis in his left foot. L.A. is 14-7 without The King this season.
Without LeBron, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are free to cook. All three are at their best with the ball in their hands; without James, that's much easier to accomplish. Doncic, in particular, is more effective the higher his usage rate.
It will be interesting to see what happens tonight. James is listed as questionable.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (toe surgery); Noa Essengue (shoulder surgery); Jaden Ivey (knee); Anfernee Simons (wrist);
Doubtful: Patrick Williams (ankle); Guerschon Yabusele (foot)
Questionable: Isaac Okoro (knee); Collin Sexton (leg); Jalen Smith (calf)
Probable: Matas Buzelis (ankle); Josh Giddey (ankle)
Los Angeles Lakers
Out: Marcus Smart (hip); Maxi Kleber (back); Jaxon Hayes (back)
Questionable: LeBron James (left foot arthritis)