From the third game of the season to the 75th—it's been quite a while since the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder last squared off. The Bulls and Thunder clashed on October 26, which saw the latter win 114 to 95. Oklahoma City's big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren combined to drop 68 points on the Bulls.
95 points is Chicago's fourth-worst scoring outing this season. Only former Bull, Zach LaVine, crossed the 20-point threshold with 22. Chicago's star backcourt duo, post-All-Star break, combined for merely 23 points—less than Coby White's and on par with Josh Giddey's average through March.
White and the Bulls will be up for another tall task four months later. The Thunder rank first in the NBA in defensive rating and second in opponent's points per game. Nevertheless, Chicago is well-equipped offensively to handle a top-notch defense. The Bulls average the third-most points per game post-All-Star break, 121.3.
Chicago's Giddey good to go; trio of guards out
Ex-Thunder guard Giddey has been a catalyst in Chicago's second-half revelation. However, the 6-foot-8 guard will suit up against his former team with an injury designation. Giddey suffered a hip injury against the Dallas Mavericks but never left the contest. The Aussie has been listed as questionable ahead of tonight's matchup. Fortunately, in true Giddey fashion, the 22-year-old said he'll be in the lineup after the morning shootaround.
Besides Giddey, the Bulls will miss a trio of guards. Lonzo Ball and Tre Jones remain out and will be in street clothes for at least another few games. Kevin Huerter, who closer resembles a wing, is listed as out with a right thumb sprain. This comes after playing 30 or more minutes in 11 consecutive contests.
Pair of Thunder bigs listed as questionable
The Thunder's injury woes aren't any better than Chicago's. Oklahoma City will be without Aaron Wiggins against the Bulls. The under-the-radar contributor has only missed four contests this season. He's averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 three-pointers per game, including 23 starts.
Aside from Wiggins, a triumvirate of bigs are on the mend. Oklahoma City's starting frontcourt, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, have been deemed questionable with left hip injuries. Holmgren missed Oklahoma City's clash with what was referred to as "left hip injury management." The 7-footer notably suffered a right iliac wing fracture after a hard fall earlier this season which caused him to miss almost three months.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Tre Jones (Left Midfoot Sprain), Kevin Huerter (Right Thumb Sprain; Injury Management).
Doubtful: Lonzo Ball (Right Wrist Sprain).
Questionable: Josh Giddey (Right Hip Soreness; Injury Management).
Oklahoma City Thunder
Out: Ousmane Dieng (Left Calf Strain), Alex Ducas (Right Quad Strain), Ajay Mitchell (Right Great Toe Surgery), Aaron Wiggins (Left Achilles Tendinitis).
Questionable: Isaiah Hartenstein (Left Hip Soreness), Chet Holmgren (Left Hip Injury Management), Jaylin Williams (Left Hip Tightness).