The last time the Chicago Bulls clashed with the Portland Trail Blazers, it was a nail-biter that ended with Nikola Vucevic nailing a game-winning three-pointer, sealing a 122-121 victory for Chicago. Vucevic poured in 27 points, with Coby White adding 25 off the bench and Ayo Dosunmu contributing 14.
Fast forward three months, and the Bulls' roster has undergone significant changes. Vucevic, White, and Dosunmu are no longer with the team.
Tonight, only Josh Giddey, Isaac Okoro, and Matas Buzelis from that November game will suit up for Chicago.
Bulls Facing Key Absences
The Bulls are dealing with several injuries that will impact tonight's lineup. Jalen Smith, who came off the bench in the last matchup, is doubtful due to a left calf strain that has kept him out of six of the last eleven games. Patrick Williams, who recently started against the Hornets, is sidelined with a quad strain, marking just his fifth missed game this season.
Anfernee Simons’ injury situation has become clearer. Initially thought to be a wrist contusion, it’s now diagnosed as a left ulnar styloid fracture. While the fracture is not new, it was aggravated in a recent game against the Pistons, though surgery isn't on the table yet.
Blazers Without Top Scorers
Portland will be missing some firepower as well. Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe, the team’s leading scorers, are both out.
Avdija is dealing with "low back injury management," marking his second consecutive missed game. Sharpe faces a longer recovery, expected to sit out for at least a month due to a stress reaction in his left fibula.
Injury Report for Bulls vs. Blazers
Here's the full injury rundown for tonight's matchup:
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Surgery), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery), Jaden Ivey (Left Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome), Anfernee Simons (Left Ulnar Styloid Fracture).
- Doubtful: Jalen Smith (Left Calf Strain), Patrick Williams (Right Quadricep Strain).
Portland Trail Blazers
- Out: Deni Avdija (Lower Back Injury Management), Damian Lillard (Left Achilles Tendon Injury Management), Shaedon Sharpe (Left Fibula Stress Reaction).
- Questionable: Robert Williams III (Right Foot Soreness), Hansen Yang (Mid Back Soreness).
As the Bulls and Blazers prepare to face off, both teams will need to adapt to their depleted rosters. It’s a chance for new faces to step up and make an impact in what promises to be another closely contested battle.