The Chicago Bulls are about to enter a grueling stretch-four games in five nights-and it starts with a matchup that might look like a breather on paper but carries more weight than the standings suggest. They’ll face the Indiana Pacers, a team sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with an 11-36 record. But if Chicago’s recent history with Indiana is any indication, this one’s far from a guaranteed win.
Let’s not forget: the Bulls are 0-2 against the Pacers this season. Indiana took both meetings in late November and early December, and neither game felt like a fluke. The Pacers may be a long way from their NBA Finals run last year, but they’ve had Chicago’s number so far.
This time, though, the Bulls come in with a day of rest and a roster that’s mostly intact-something that hasn’t always been the case this season.
Bulls Injury Report: Collins, Jones Still Out
Chicago will be without two key pieces in Zach Collins and Tre Jones, both expected to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Collins continues to recover from a sprained toe on his right foot-a nagging injury that’s kept him off the floor since December 27. He’s still in a walking boot and isn’t expected back until after the All-Star break at the earliest. That’s a tough blow for the Bulls’ frontcourt depth, especially given how much they rely on Collins’ size and interior presence.
Tre Jones is nursing a left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated on February 6. That means he’s guaranteed to miss at least eight games.
Hamstring injuries can be tricky-just ask anyone who’s tried to rush back from one-and Chicago will likely play it safe. For comparison, Josh Giddey recently missed 11 games over 21 days with a similar issue.
So while there’s hope Jones could return before the break, it’s far from a lock.
Pacers Health Update: Haliburton Still Out, Toppin Nearing Return?
Indiana, meanwhile, is also close to full strength-but not quite there. Tyrese Haliburton remains out with a torn Achilles, a season-altering injury for the Pacers and a brutal blow to one of the league’s most dynamic young guards. His absence has left a massive void in Indiana’s offensive flow and playmaking.
Obi Toppin is also still sidelined as he works his way back from foot surgery. He went under the knife on November 3 to repair a partial stress fracture in his right foot and was initially projected to miss at least three months.
With February fast approaching, he’s nearing the end of that timeline. While there hasn’t been a firm update, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him return to action in the coming weeks.
One name to keep an eye on tonight: Jarace Walker. The third-year forward is listed as questionable with a right foot bruise.
But here’s the thing-he hasn’t missed a game all season, and he’s been playing some of the best basketball of his career lately. If he’s able to go, he could be a difference-maker on both ends.
What to Watch
Even with Indiana’s record, this is a dangerous game for the Bulls. The Pacers have already shown they can beat Chicago, and they’re not limping into this matchup. Chicago has the edge in rest and health, but they’ll need to execute-especially on defense-if they want to flip the script.
For the Bulls, it’s about setting the tone for a tough upcoming stretch. Four games in five nights is no joke, and starting it off with a loss to the last-place team in the East would be a momentum killer. But come in focused, play to their strengths, and this could be the start of a strong run into the All-Star break.
Injury Report Recap
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery), Tre Jones (Left Hamstring Strain)
Indiana Pacers
- Out: Tyrese Haliburton (Right Achilles Tendon Tear), Obi Toppin (Right Foot Stress Fracture)
- Questionable: Jarace Walker (Right Foot Bruise)
The standings might say this is a mismatch, but recent history says otherwise. For the Bulls, it’s about more than just one game-it’s about setting the tone for a pivotal stretch of the season.