The Chicago Bulls are in a rough patch, enduring a grueling 10-game losing streak. Injuries have plagued the team, and as they gear up for Thursday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, the injury report remains crowded.
Jaden Ivey will miss the game due to Left Patellofemoral pain syndrome, and Anfernee Simons is out with a left ulnar styloid fracture. Jalen Smith and Patrick Williams are both doubtful, dealing with a right calf strain and a right quadriceps strain, respectively. Zach Collins is also sidelined following recent surgery.
While the Bulls have seen Josh Giddey return from a hamstring injury, his presence hasn't been enough to halt their slide, which has pushed them below the play-in threshold in the Eastern Conference standings.
With the season looking bleak, some Bulls fans have shifted focus to the upcoming NBA Draft lottery, hoping to snag a top-tier talent from what is projected to be a strong 2026 class. Adding a standout rookie could be a game-changer for Chicago, especially alongside promising talents like Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
The trade deadline saw the Bulls stock up on backcourt players, a move that has led to some predictable disarray. However, injuries to Simons and Ivey have temporarily eased the congestion.
The Bulls and Trail Blazers will tip off at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday at the United Center in Chicago, with fans hoping for a turnaround amidst the challenges.