The Chicago Bulls take on last year’s NBA Finals runner-up to kick off a tumultuous stretch of four games in five nights. And while the Indiana Pacers are far removed from their impressive Finals run a season ago, currently sitting last in the Eastern Conference at 11–36, the Bulls can’t afford to take them lightly.
Chicago is winless in two meetings against Indiana this season, with the Pacers beating the Bulls twice in the span of a week in late November and early December. This time around, however, Chicago enters the matchup with a day of rest and a largely healthy roster.
Bulls without Collins, Jones
The Bulls will be without only Zach Collins and Tre Jones, both of whom are expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks. Collins is dealing with a first toe sprain that has kept him in street clothes longer than anticipated. The 28-year-old big man hasn’t appeared in a game since December 27, and the latest update indicates he remains in a walking boot and will be out at least through the All-Star break.
Jones could return to the lineup ahead of the All-Star break, but nothing is guaranteed. He is set to be re-evaluated from his hamstring injury on February 6, a timeline that ensures he’ll miss at least eight games. For context, Josh Giddey, who recently suffered a hamstring strain, missed 11 contests over a 21-day span.
Pacers near full strength
Like the Bulls, the Pacers are close to fully healthy, save for Tyrese Haliburton, who figures to remain a regular on the injury report throughout the season. Aside from Haliburton, Obi Toppin is the lone Pacer listed as out. However, after missing several months, the high-flying forward could be nearing a return. Toppin underwent surgery to repair a partial stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot on November 3 and was initially expected to miss at least three months. While updates have been sparse, February marks the end of that projected timeline.
Lastly, Indiana lists forward Jarace Walker as questionable with a right foot bruise. The third-year forward has yet to miss a game this season due to injury and is currently playing some of the best basketball of his career. Don’t be surprised if Walker suits up tonight.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers
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), Tre Jones (Left Hamstring Strain).
Indiana Pacers
Out: Tyrese Haliburton (Right Achilles Tendon Tear), Obi Toppin (Right Foot Stress Fracture).
Questionable: Jarace Walker (Right Foot Bruise).