The Chicago Bulls are gearing up to face the New York Knicks this Sunday evening, but they'll be doing so without guard Anfernee Simons. Unfortunately for the Bulls, Simons is sidelined with a wrist injury he sustained during their recent matchup against the Detroit Pistons. The injury occurred in the first half, and he was unable to return to the game.
This absence is a tough blow for the Bulls, who are eager to break free from an eight-game losing streak. Currently sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings, they find themselves two games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the coveted 10th seed and the final play-in spot.
Simons was a key acquisition for the Bulls at the trade deadline, coming over from the Boston Celtics in exchange for longtime Bull Nikola Vučević. The deal also included a second-round pick heading to Chicago.
Since joining the Bulls, Simons has made an immediate impact, appearing in six games and starting in five. Averaging over 28 minutes per game, he has contributed 15.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 32 percent from beyond the arc, and a perfect 100 percent from the free-throw line.
The Bulls' injury report is quite extensive, with several key players out of action. Zach Collins is dealing with a right toe sprain, Noa Essengue is recovering from left shoulder surgery, and Jaden Ivey is out with left patellofemoral pain syndrome. Nick Richards is questionable due to right foot soreness, while Patrick Williams is probable with a left hand contusion.
On the Knicks' side, Pacome Dadiet is out on a G League assignment, Miles McBride is recovering from pelvic core muscle surgery, Kevin McCullar Jr. is also in the G League on a two-way contract, and Mitchell Robinson is managing a left ankle injury.
As the Bulls prepare to take on the Knicks, they'll need to dig deep and rely on their depth to overcome these challenges and get back on the winning track.