Things are finally settling down for the Chicago Bulls. While Billy Donovan’s lineups may continue to fluctuate for the rest of the season, the trade deadline has passed, and any speculation about roster moves is now on hold, at least until the offseason.
Bulls' Josh Giddey and Tre Jones close to returning
In the interim, the focus will shift to how Chicago’s rest-of-season lineups mesh. We’ll soon learn much more in the coming days, as one of the Bulls’ most important players nears a return from injury. That player is Josh Giddey, who has missed Chicago’s last six games with a strained hamstring. The injury has affected the Aussie for over a month after he first suffered the strain on December 29, though he briefly returned for a few games in late January.
Giddey has been upgraded from out to doubtful ahead of Chicago’s February 9 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Still, don’t expect him to suit up, but the designation is an encouraging sign with two games remaining before the All-Star break. Fellow guard Tre Jones has also been upgraded from out to doubtful as he recovers from his own hamstring injury. Jones hasn’t played since January 22, but he could return either against Brooklyn or on February 11 against the Boston Celtics.
Lastly, Jalen Smith, who has been in and out of the lineup dealing with a calf strain, is listed as questionable heading into the matchup with the Nets. Smith missed Chicago’s last contest against the Denver Nuggets but started the game prior. As is often the case with calf injuries, teams tend to be cautious, making Smith’s status a likely game-time decision.
Nets near full strength
On the other hand, Brooklyn’s injury report is nearly pristine. The Nets will be close to full strength against the Bulls, with only Egor Demin and Michael Porter Jr. ruled out. Demin is sidelined for rest, while Porter Jr. will miss the game due to right knee tendinitis. With two starters unavailable, expect head coach Jordi Fernandez to turn to Terence Mann and possibly rookie Drake Powell alongside Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney, and Nolan Traoré.
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), Tre Jones (Left Hamstring Strain).
Questionable: Jalen Smith (Right Calf Strain).
Brooklyn Nets
Out: Egor Demin (Rest), Michael Porter Jr. (Right Knee Tendinitis).