Josh Giddey Nears Return as Bulls Eye Reinforcements Against Nets
Josh Giddey is getting close-very close-to making his return to the floor for the Chicago Bulls. The 6-foot-8 Aussie guard has been sidelined since straining his left hamstring back on December 29, missing the team’s last nine games. But there’s a real sense that his time on the sidelines is nearly over.
On Sunday morning, the Bulls took a key step in Giddey’s recovery process, assigning him to their G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, for a reconditioning stint. It’s a standard move for players coming off soft tissue injuries-get them some controlled action, test the body, and see how it responds. According to team sources, if Giddey makes it through practice without any setbacks, he could be back in the lineup as soon as Tuesday against the Clippers or Thursday when the Timberwolves come to town.
He’s technically listed as doubtful for Sunday night’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, but that’s still a step in the right direction. It marks the first time he hasn’t been listed as "out" since the injury occurred. That upgrade alone suggests the Bulls are optimistic about his progress.
Injury Report: Bulls Thin Up Front
While Giddey’s status is trending up, Chicago is still dealing with some notable absences. Zach Collins remains out with a toe sprain that’s expected to keep him sidelined for several more weeks. That’s a tough blow for a Bulls frontcourt that’s already been stretched thin.
Patrick Williams is also on the injury report after tweaking his right ankle during the team’s first of two weekend games against the Nets. The good news?
He’s listed as questionable, not doubtful or out, which suggests the injury isn’t too serious. If he does miss time, it likely won’t be much.
Williams has been carving out a solid role as a reserve forward, and his presence-especially on the defensive end-is something Chicago would rather not do without.
Nets Resting Key Players, But Mostly Healthy
Brooklyn, meanwhile, comes into the rematch in relatively good health, though they’ll be resting a few players. Michael Porter Jr., who hit the go-ahead layup in Friday’s win over the Bulls, won’t suit up Sunday.
Officially, he’s out for rest, but the timing is interesting considering his late-game heroics. Porter even poked fun at himself online after the game, responding “my fault” to a fan who joked that he should be traded for hurting the Nets’ draft position.
It was a lighthearted moment, but one that hints at Brooklyn’s balancing act between competing and developing.
Haywood Highsmith and Drake Powell are both out due to injury recovery. Powell, notably, sealed Friday’s win with a clutch steal in the closing seconds-his absence will be felt on the defensive end. Ben Saraf is also unavailable as he’s currently on assignment with the G League, while Ziaire Williams continues to ramp up his conditioning following an illness.
Tonight’s Injury Report
Chicago Bulls:
- Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery)
- Doubtful: Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Questionable: Patrick Williams (Right Ankle Sprain)
Brooklyn Nets:
- Out: Michael Porter Jr. (Rest), Haywood Highsmith (Injury Recovery), Drake Powell (Injury Recovery), Ben Saraf (G League Assignment), Ziaire Williams (Return to Conditioning)
With Giddey on the verge of returning and the Bulls still navigating a shorthanded rotation, Sunday’s matchup is as much about staying afloat as it is about grabbing a win. The pieces are starting to come back together-slowly but surely-and if Giddey looks like himself when he returns, Chicago’s backcourt could be getting a much-needed jolt at just the right time.