The Chicago Bulls have avoided the injury bug for much of the year. However, a recent stretch of injuries has plagued the Bulls. First, Nikola Vucevic sat out seven consecutive contests from late February to early March as he dealt with a calf strain. The big man's injury seemed to have a lingering effect as he struggled upon returning.
Second, Ayo Dosunmu's shoulder subluxation occurred prior to Vucevic's. Nevertheless, Dosunmu returned to appear in Chicago's bout against the Toronto Raptors on February 28. The 6-foot-5 guard could tell something was wrong, as he favored his shoulder for much of the contest. Two days later, it was announced that Dosunmu would undergo season-ending surgery to repair his shoulder.
Then, Lonzo Ball was diagnosed with a right wrist sprain—the same injury he suffered in November. Ball has missed nine straight games because of the injury and isn't expected to return until the Bulls' six-game road trip has come to a close. Ball's likely return date is March 27, when the Bulls host the Los Angeles Lakers at the United Center.
Already missing guards Dosunmu and Ball, Josh Giddey suffered an ankle injury on March 10 versus the Indiana Pacers. The immediate reaction was less than stellar. Giddey mentioned the pain was worse than any ankle sprain he had suffered before. Somehow, the 22-year-old returned to the hardwood nine days later as the Bulls battled the Phoenix Suns. Giddey ended up missing the Bulls' subsequent contest but should be available moving forward.
Without Ball, Dosunmu, and Giddey, the Bulls were down to Coby White, Tre Jones, Jevon Carter, and Talen Horton-Tucker as the only guards. The former two combined to play 71 minutes, but would have likely combined to play more if not for a late-game injury to Jones.
Tre Jones suffered a midfoot sprain against the Kings
With just over two minutes to go, up by nine points in Sacramento, Jones drove to the paint with the shot clock winding down. As Jones drove, he kicked it out to Kevin Huerter in the corner. During the pass, Jones began a limp and ultimately asked to be taken out of the game while he favored his left leg.
Although there was nothing apparent, non-contact injuries are always cause for concern. Calf, knee, and the dreaded Achilles typically come to mind. Fortunately, for Jones and the Bulls, he was diagnosed with a left midfoot sprain. The X-rays were negative for the fifth-year guard.
On the downside, midfoot sprains can cause players to miss multiple weeks of action. For example, on January 13 Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. was diagnosed with a Grade 2 midfoot sprain. The rookie was expected to miss two to four weeks. He was cleared to play 18 days later and immediately listed as questionable.
Although the X-ray was negative, the MRI could determine a more severe injury. There are 23 days remaining in the NBA season. Thus, Jones' injury is potentially season-ending. If so, it would be a massive loss for the Bulls. The 6-foot-1 guard has taken his game to another level in March—averaging 14.5 points and 7.0 assists through 10 appearances.