Bulls Getting Healthier, Just in Time for the Stretch Run
The dust has settled around the trade deadline, and for the Chicago Bulls, that means it’s finally time to focus on what’s in the building - not what might’ve been. With no more roster shakeups on the horizon until the offseason, the attention now shifts to how this group can gel down the stretch. And that starts with getting healthy.
Josh Giddey Nearing Return
Josh Giddey, one of the Bulls’ key playmakers, is inching closer to a return. He’s missed the last six games with a nagging hamstring strain that originally flared up back on December 29.
He did manage a brief return in late January, but the issue flared again, keeping him sidelined. Now, the team has upgraded him from “out” to “doubtful” ahead of their matchup with the Brooklyn Nets - a small but meaningful step in the right direction.
While it’s unlikely Giddey suits up tonight, the fact that he’s trending upward is a positive sign with just two games left before the All-Star break. The Bulls have missed his size, vision, and ability to initiate offense - especially with the backcourt rotation in flux.
Tre Jones Also Progressing
Joining Giddey on the “doubtful” list is Tre Jones, who’s been out since January 22 with a hamstring injury of his own. Like Giddey, Jones has been slowly ramping up, and there’s a chance he could return either against Brooklyn or in the Bulls’ next game against Boston. His return would offer a much-needed dose of perimeter defense and stability at the point.
Jalen Smith a Game-Time Decision
Jalen Smith’s status remains up in the air as he deals with a right calf strain. He missed the Bulls’ last game against Denver but started the contest prior.
Calf injuries can be tricky - they don’t always follow a linear recovery path, and teams tend to err on the side of caution. Smith is officially listed as “questionable,” making him a game-time decision.
If he’s able to go, it would be a boost to Chicago’s frontcourt depth, especially with Zach Collins still sidelined.
Brooklyn Close to Full Strength
The Nets, meanwhile, are coming in nearly at full strength. Only Egor Demin (rest) and Michael Porter Jr. (right knee tendinitis) have been ruled out.
That means head coach Jordi Fernandez will have most of his core rotation available, including Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney, and Nolan Traoré. With Porter Jr. out, look for Terence Mann to slide into the starting five, and there’s a chance rookie Drake Powell sees some extended minutes as well.
Injury Report - Bulls vs. Nets
Chicago Bulls
- Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery)
- Doubtful: Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain), Tre Jones (Left Hamstring Strain)
- Questionable: Jalen Smith (Right Calf Strain)
Brooklyn Nets
- Out: Egor Demin (Rest), Michael Porter Jr. (Right Knee Tendinitis)
With the All-Star break looming, the Bulls are hoping to get a few key bodies back and build some momentum heading into the second half of the season. If Giddey, Jones, and Smith can return to the lineup soon, Chicago could finally start to see what this group looks like at full strength - something we haven’t seen much of this year.