The Chicago Bulls take on the Eastern Conference–leading Detroit Pistons for the third time this season. The two Central Division foes have split the season series so far, with each team winning at home. Injuries, however, have played a major role in the matchup. Coby White missed both of the first two games, while Josh Giddey and essentially the Pistons’ entire starting five were out for the second.
No Giddey for Bulls, White's status in doubt
This time around figures to be no different, as Giddey is once again out, this time with a strained hamstring. And while White is listed as questionable, he’ll likely sit out the front end of the back-to-back.
White, of course, has been dealing with persistent calf issues dating back to the offseason, which have caused him to miss 19 of Chicago’s 36 games. Although he’s listed as questionable on the injury report, Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson noted that White stayed after the morning shootaround to work with the Bulls’ player development coaches, which is a sign that usually means he won’t be in the lineup.
However, another Bull listed as questionable has been upgraded to probable as of this morning. Matas Buzelis was initially deemed questionable due to an illness. But, after participating in morning shootaround and looking like his usual affable self, he’s poised to suit up against Detroit and keep his perfect attendance record intact.
Detroit to be without two starters
The Pistons, like the Bulls, will be without two key contributors due to injury. Ascending star Jalen Duren will miss his third straight game with a sprained right ankle. It will be his sixth missed game of the season and his second against Chicago. The injury isn’t expected to sideline the 22-year-old center for long, as he’s slated to be re-evaluated in the coming days.
Tobias Harris will be the other Piston in street clothes. Like Duren, Harris missed Detroit’s last game against Chicago. He’ll miss his fourth straight game while managing a left hip strain, an injury expected to sideline him for at least three weeks. Harris is scheduled to be re-evaluated in a little over a week.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham is listed on the injury report with a wrist contusion, but he’s been deemed probable.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons
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), Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain), Jalen Smith (Concussion).
Questionable: Coby White (Right Calf Injury Management).
Probable: Matas Buzelis (Illness).
Detroit Pistons
Out: Jalen Duren (Right Ankle Sprain), Tobias Harris (Left Hip Strain).
Probable: Cade Cunningham (Right Wrist Contusion), Caris LeVert (Left Knee Tendinopathy), Duncan Robinson (Left Calf Contusion).