When the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz last met, the scoreboard nearly ran out of room. A 150-147 double-overtime thriller gave fans a night to remember, with explosive performances across the board and a late-game flurry that felt like something out of a video game.
Coby White, in his season debut, delivered a clutch game-tying layup in overtime, only to see Keyonte George answer with a cold-blooded game-winning three in the second extra period. It was the kind of game that leaves you breathless-and sets the stage for a compelling rematch.
This Time, No Lauri Markkanen (Probably)
One of the biggest storylines heading into tonight’s matchup? The likely absence of Lauri Markkanen.
The 7-footer dropped a jaw-dropping 47 points in that first meeting, torching his former team with a mix of outside shooting, post work, and everything in between. But this time, the Bulls may catch a break.
Markkanen, who wasn’t even on the Jazz injury report 24 hours before tipoff, was downgraded from questionable to doubtful due to an illness. That late development makes it highly unlikely he’ll suit up against Chicago. Without their top scorer and offensive centerpiece, the Jazz will need other contributors-like George, who’s already shown he can rise to the occasion-to shoulder a heavier load.
Bulls Missing Giddey, But White Is Ready to Go
On the Bulls’ side, there’s a notable absence as well. Josh Giddey, who dropped a monster triple-double-26 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists-against Utah last time, remains sidelined with a hamstring strain.
He hasn’t played since Chicago’s second-to-last game of 2025 and was initially set for a re-evaluation on January 13. While he’s recently returned to non-contact work, there’s still no clear timetable for his return.
That said, Chicago will have Coby White back in action. After sitting out Monday’s game against the Rockets for “right calf injury management,” White is good to go for the second night of the back-to-back. It’s a strategic move from the Bulls’ staff, making sure he’s available for this matchup after his impact in the first one.
Injury Concerns Piling Up for Chicago
Beyond Giddey, the Bulls are also down Zach Collins, who’s dealing with a first toe sprain that’s turned out to be more serious than initially expected. Chicago’s frontcourt depth takes a hit there.
Reserve forward Julian Phillips is questionable with a wrist sprain after missing Monday’s game despite a game-time decision tag. And Noa Essengue remains out following left shoulder surgery.
Tonight’s Injury Report
Here’s how both teams are shaping up health-wise for tonight’s rematch:
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery), Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Questionable: Julian Phillips (Left Wrist Sprain)
Utah Jazz
- Doubtful: Lauri Markkanen (Illness)
So while tonight’s game might not feature all the same stars who lit up the box score in the last go-round, there’s still plenty of intrigue. Can Keyonte George step up again without Markkanen?
Will Coby White continue to build on his strong return? And how will the Bulls adjust without Giddey’s playmaking and Collins’ interior presence?
We might not get another 297-point explosion-but with these two teams, you never know.