Owners of a poor 7-14 record, the Chicago Bulls have a chance tonight to improve their position in the standings against one of the few teams with an even worse record, the Charlotte Hornets. Unfortunately, they may have to make do without two-time All-Star shooting guard Zach LaVine, someone with a long history of carving up porous Charlotte defenses over the years.
The Bulls appear to be building some positive momentum as of late, winners of two consecutive games — the first time this team has accomplished that feat this season. Their competition were no pushovers either, as wins over the Bucks and Pelicans are quality victories to hang your hat on. This Bulls team has had a much different vibe about it lately, so it will be interesting to see if it translates tonight as Chicago looks to win three straight.
Got our second straight win at home last night ✅@Plus500 | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/dWDiJGBgt8
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 3, 2023
Zach LaVine Injury Update for tonight’s Bulls vs. Hornets game
Although no official designation has been made just yet, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on December 1 that Zach LaVine was set to miss the next week of games due to right foot soreness, therefore ruling him out of tonight's contest. The Bulls have performed significantly better in LaVine's absence, only adding further fuel to the trade rumors swirling around our social media feeds. If he sits out tonight, LaVine's next chance to suit up will come against the Spurs on December 8.
LaMelo Ball Injury Update for tonight’s Bulls vs. Hornets game
Just when LaMelo Ball appeared to be building up steam for a potential All-Star season, he has once again run into the injury bug. After suffering an ankle injury on November 27, Ball was diagnosed with a serious right ankle sprain. LaMelo will be re-evaluated on December 7, which means he won't be available for tonight's game against the Bulls. Averaging a career-high 24.7 points and 8.2 assists per game, expect Charlotte to take things slow with Ball's recovery to avoid re-aggravating the injury.
Projected starting lineups
Chicago Bulls
- Chicago Bulls
- PG: Coby White
- SG: Alex Caruso
- SF: DeMar DeRozan
- PF: Patrick Williams
- C: Nikola Vucevic
Charlotte Hornets
- PG: Terry Rozier
- SG: Brandon Miller
- SF: Gordon Hayward
- PF: Miles Bridges
- C: Mark Williams
Bulls full injury report
OUT: Zach LaVine, Onuralp Bitim, Lonzo Ball
QUESTIONABLE: Torrey Craig
PROBABLE: Alex Caruso
Hornets full injury report
OUT: LaMelo Ball, Cody Martin, Frank Ntilikina
QUESTIONABLE: Mark Williams
Chicago’s next 5 opponents on the schedule
- Dec. 8 @ San Antonio Spurs
- Dec. 11 @ Milwaukee Bucks
- Dec. 12 vs. Denver Nuggets
- Dec. 14 @ Miami Heat
- Dec. 16 @ Miami Heat