The Chicago Bulls could be walking into their matchup with the San Antonio Spurs without one of their biggest weapons.
Rookie forward Caleb Wilson was added to the injury report late and is now questionable with hip soreness, putting his status in doubt for his first meeting with Victor Wembanyama. Wilson did not begin the day on the report, and there was no sign he was limited during Tuesday afternoon’s practice.
That late change is what makes this one feel so notable. Wilson has been available all season, and the Bulls have leaned on him heavily as their top scorer.
He’s averaging 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, and his size, burst, and two-way impact have been central to what Chicago is trying to build. If he’s unable to go, the Bulls will have a major scoring void to patch against the reigning Western Conference champs.
If Wilson sits, expect extra run for Noa Essengue, Patrick Williams, and Leonard Miller. Tiago Splitter could also lean into a double-big look with Jalen Smith and Nic Claxton together in the frontcourt, something he has already hinted at with Claxton back and Smith playing at a high level.
Chicago may also be thin at center. Zach Collins remains questionable with an illness, though Splitter said he’s improving after the latest practice. Tobe Awaka is out with back tightness.
Norman Powell is the other name to watch. The guard missed the Bulls’ previous game against the Philadelphia 76ers because of back spasms, but he has now been upgraded to questionable.
His absence was felt, even if the starting group looked a little more connected without him this weekend. Still, his shooting matters for this young team, especially in a game where floor spacing will be essential.
Caleb Wilson - QUESTIONABLE (hip)
Zach Collins - QUESTIONABLE (illness)
Norman Powell - QUESTIONABLE (back)
Tobe Awaka - OUT (back)
In Other News...
Bulls Suddenly Have A Norman Powell Problem They Can't Ignore
Norman Powells availability has quickly become a talking point for a Bulls team that could use every bit of offensive stability it can get. He was ruled out of the game against the San Antonio Spurs because of lower back spasms, a setback that came after he had been giving Chicago solid production early in the season and helping to anchor the scoring load.
Head coach Tiago Splitter said Powell is currently at 70% health, which leaves the Bulls in a wait-and-see spot as they move toward the next game. Powell has appeared in eight games this season, averaging 19.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, and Chicago will be watching closely to see how quickly he can get back to full speed. [Read more 🡒]
Leonard Miller Is Facing A Bulls Test Fans Didn't Expect
Leonard Miller arrived in Chicago with some intrigue after the Bulls acquired him from Minnesota, and his first full season with the team has already become a small but telling subplot in a rough start. He flashed enough last season and again in the preseason to make you think there might be a real role here, but the regular season has been a different animal, with Miller still trying to find his footing as the Bulls grind through a 1-8 start.
For a team already searching for answers, Millers development matters because Chicago is not just looking for help right now, it is trying to build something sturdier for later. He has said the focus is on improving his game and helping the Bulls future success, and that makes every stretch of inconsistency feel a little more important than it would on a healthier roster with a clearer direction. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Suddenly Face A Caleb Wilson Concern They Couldnt Afford
A night that already carried some concern for Caleb Wilson took an even shakier turn against the Spurs, when Chicagos top scorer was forced out in the third quarter after appearing to have a hand issue. Wilson was seen holding his hand before heading to the trainers room, and the Bulls later announced he would not return, a frustrating development for a team that can ill afford to lose its most productive option.
Wilson had already been on the injury report before tipoff because of right hip soreness, so the hand problem only added to the uncertainty around his status. For Chicago, the bigger worry now is not just how long he might be sidelined, but how quickly the Bulls can absorb another hit if one of their most important offensive pieces is compromised. [Read more 🡒]