In their first contest since losing both Josh Giddey and Coby White to injury, the Chicago Bulls surprisingly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 134–118. Eight players scored in double figures, and 33 of the team’s 47 made field goals were assisted. It was a balanced performance from start to finish. One that suggests the injuries to Chicago’s starting backcourt may not be as damaging as initially feared.
Latest injury updates on Giddey and White
Following the game, Chicago gained some clarity on the injuries to its rotation players. Josh Giddey will be re-evaluated in roughly two weeks (January 13), while Coby White is scheduled for a re-evaluation on January 6. Additionally, Zach Collins—who was injured prior to the same game in which Giddey and White went down—will be re-evaluated on January 9 as he deals with a toe sprain.
Giddey noted that the issue is the first soft-tissue injury of his career. The Australian guard said he is able to shoot and work out, but remains unable to sprint.
White, meanwhile, is dealing with a similar injury to the one that sidelined him for the first 11 games of the season, though this time it has been classified as calf tightness rather than a strain. White said the MRI results looked better than before, but given that it is another calf issue, it will be monitored closely for the remainder of the season.
No timetable for Franz Wagner’s return
The Orlando Magic’s injury report isn’t quite as dire as Chicago’s, but it does feature one prominent name, Franz Wagner, who torched the Bulls for 25 points in the teams’ most recent meeting. Wagner suffered an ankle injury on December 7 against the New York Knicks and has since missed 10 consecutive games.
Wagner’s high ankle sprain was originally given a recovery timeline of two to four weeks, but as he approaches the four-week mark, there have been no updates on his status. Orlando head coach Jamahl Mosley has said there is “no return date” for Wagner at this time. As a result, it appears increasingly likely that Wagner’s absence could extend into February.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic
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), Trentyn Flowers (Right Knee Sprain), Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain), Emanuel Miller (Right Hamstring Strain), Lachlan Olbrich (Left Ankle Sprain), Coby White (Right Calf Tightness).
Orlando Magic
Out: Franz Wagner (Left High Ankle Sprain), Mo Wagner (Left Knee Injury Recovery).
Questionable: Jonathan Isaac (Sore Left Knee).