His return is imminent. Josh Giddey is nearing a return to the hardwood after straining his hamstring in late December. The injury has caused the Aussie to miss the Bulls’ last nine contests, but it’s possible he’ll miss just one more before returning—barring any setbacks.
Josh Giddey closing in on return
On Sunday morning, the Bulls announced they had assigned Giddey to the Windy City Bulls for reconditioning. Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson added that if Giddey gets through practice with Windy City without incident, he’s likely to return Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers or Thursday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As for Chicago’s Sunday night tilt with the Brooklyn Nets, Giddey hasn’t been ruled out, but he’s listed as doubtful and isn’t expected to suit up. Even so, the upgrade from out to doubtful is a positive sign for the 6-foot-8 floor general, who had been listed as out since suffering the injury on December 29.
Zach Collins remains out with a toe sprain, which is expected to sideline him for several more weeks. Patrick Williams also appeared on the injury report with a sprained right ankle, suffered during Chicago’s first of two weekend games against Brooklyn. However, the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, as Williams is listed as questionable. As a result, don’t expect the reserve forward to miss much time, if any.
Nets resting Michael Porter Jr.
Like the matchup just days ago, the Nets remain largely healthy. Only two players appear on the injury report with actual injuries, and both come with an asterisk as they’re listed for injury recovery. Haywood Highsmith and Drake Powell—who recorded the game-sealing steal on Friday—are both out for Brooklyn under those designations.
Aside from Highsmith and Powell, Michael Porter Jr., Ben Saraf, and Ziaire Williams also appear on the injury report for various reasons. Porter Jr. is out for rest, coincidentally after scoring the go-ahead layup that put Brooklyn ahead of Chicago on Friday. Funny enough, he later replied “my fault” to a fan who joked that Porter Jr. should be traded for seemingly preventing the Nets from tanking. In a way, Brooklyn appears to have taken that sentiment to heart.
Saraf won’t be in the lineup, as he’s out on a G League assignment, while Williams continues to ramp up his conditioning following an illness.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Brooklyn Nets
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).
Doubtful: Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain).
Questionable: Patrick Williams (Right Ankle Sprain).
Brooklyn Nets
Out: Haywood Highsmith (Right Knee Surgery; Injury Recovery), Michael Porter Jr. (Rest), Drake Powell (Left Knee; Injury Recovery), Ben Saraf (G-League Assignment), Ziaire Williams (Return to competition reconditioning).