Amid a rash of injuries, the NBA Cup arrived at the perfect moment for the Chicago Bulls. Following a stretch of six games in eight nights, Chicago received a much-needed breather as the midseason tournament ensued, playing just two games over the last nine days.
Bulls healthy for first time in a while
During that span, Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, and Jalen Smith all recovered enough to return to action and, better yet, were removed from the injury report entirely. Now, the Bulls list only two players on the report: Noa Essengue and Ayo Dosunmu.
Essengue is, of course, out for the season and will remain a permanent fixture on the injury report. Dosunmu, on the other hand (no pun intended), is dealing with sprained ligaments in both thumbs, along with a bone bruise in his right thumb. The 25-year-old guard expects to play, but it ultimately comes down to pain tolerance. If Dosunmu does return after missing Chicago’s last two games, both thumbs will be heavily taped and protected as much as possible.
Cavaliers’ injury issues persist
Despite playing just two games over the last 10 days, the Cleveland Cavaliers will still be without several key contributors against Chicago. The Cavs will be without Sam Merrill, Evan Mobley, Larry Nance Jr., and Max Strus.
Merrill, who is averaging a career-high 13.9 points per game this season, has missed Cleveland’s last 12 games with a hand sprain. Although there is no timetable for his return, head coach Kenny Atkinson said Merrill has been progressing but has yet to participate in contact drills.
Mobley is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks after suffering a calf strain against the Washington Wizards on December 12. Following the game, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year would miss two weeks to a month.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery).
Questionable: Ayo Dosunmu (Right Thumb Sprain).
Cleveland Cavaliers
Out: Sam Merrill (Right Hand Sprain), Evan Mobley (Left Calf Strain), Larry Nance Jr. (Right Calf Strain), Max Strus (Left Foot Surgery - Jones Fracture).