The Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets last squared off on January 27. Despite losing seven of their past eight games heading into the matchup, the Bulls knocked off the Nuggets 129-121. Seven Bulls reached double-digits in the scoring column, led by Zach LaVine, who chipped in 21. The bench was arguably the bright spot for Chicago in this late-January affair. Four bench players recorded positive plus/minuses, with Patrick Williams leading the charge at plus-16.
Denver only trotted out eight players against Chicago, and the lack of quality depth was apparent. The Bulls outscored the Nuggets bench 41-10. Despite a 33-point triple-double from Nikola Jokic and a 28-point, 11-of-15 outing from Christian Braun, the Nuggets' futile bench-scoring efforts and atrocious three-point shooting led to their demise. Chicago converted 24-of-53 triples, while Denver managed only 6-of-27.
Denver will be without perennial MVP candidate Jokic
This time around, the Nuggets won't be able to rely on a Jokic triple-double to keep them within shouting distance of the Bulls. The three-time MVP is set to miss his fifth consecutive game with an ankle injury. He's been out since March 15 without a clear return date. Denver Head Coach Michael Malone recently shared he expects the big man to return "at some point" during the Nuggets' five-game home stand, which begins tonight.
Missing a multi-time MVP winner who averages a triple-double is obviously detrimental, but the Nuggets are notoriously subpar without Jokic on the floor. The Nuggets are 4-6 this season sans the Serbian big man. Denver is 12.5 points worse whenever Jokic sits. His net point differential is an astonishing 23.0 points.
Pair of Bulls' guards on the mend
The Bulls aren't missing anyone on or even near the caliber of Jokic. Nonetheless, Chicago is still without several key contributors. Lonzo Ball and Tre Jones are out of the lineup. Jones will miss a second consecutive contest after he suffered a left midfoot sprain on March 20. Jones is anticipated to be on the mend for at least two weeks due to the injury.
Ball, on the other hand, has missed 11 straight games as he's dealt with a wrist sprain. The 6-foot-6 guard will miss the remaining two games on Chicago's six-game road trip. However, Ball is hopeful to make his return to the hardwood when the Bulls host the Los Angeles Lakers on March 27.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Lonzo Ball (Right Wrist Sprain), Tre Jones (Left Midfoot Sprain).
Denver Nuggets
Out: Nikola Jokic (Left Ankle Impingement), Julian Strawther (Left Knee Sprain).
Questionable: Aaron Gordon (Right Calf Injury Management/Left Ankle Sprain).
Probable: Christian Braun (Left Foot Strain), Jamal Murray (Right Ankle Sprain).