The Chicago Bulls are riding a four-game win streak into Monday’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, but their depth may be tested once again. The status of two key rotation pieces-Josh Giddey and Tre Jones-remains up in the air, though there’s at least a flicker of optimism. Both guards have been upgraded to doubtful on the team’s latest injury report, signaling possible progress in their respective recoveries from hamstring injuries.
Let’s start with Giddey. The 21-year-old has been sidelined for the last six games, but when healthy, he’s been one of the Bulls’ most impactful players. Acquired in a high-profile offseason trade that sent defensive stalwart Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City, Giddey came to Chicago with high expectations-and a fresh four-year, $100 million contract extension to match.
Through 34 games (31 of them starts), Giddey’s been as advertised: a versatile, high-IQ playmaker with a knack for stuffing the stat sheet. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game while logging over 32 minutes a night.
He’s also been efficient, shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.6% from deep, and 77.5% at the line. For a Bulls team that’s leaned heavily on his ability to initiate offense and control tempo, his absence has been noticeable-even amid the current win streak.
Then there’s Tre Jones, who’s been out even longer-nine games and counting. Jones arrived in Chicago via last season’s trade deadline shake-up, a multi-team deal that saw Zach LaVine land in Sacramento and De’Aaron Fox head to San Antonio. Now in his first full season with the Bulls after four and a half years with the Spurs, Jones has carved out a meaningful role in the backcourt.
In 38 appearances (20 starts), Jones is averaging 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals across just over 26 minutes per game. He’s been remarkably efficient, shooting 55% from the floor and 84.8% from the free-throw line, though his three-point shooting (32.8%) still leaves room for growth. His ability to pressure the ball defensively and run the second unit has been a stabilizing force for Chicago, and his return would only help solidify the team’s rotation as they continue their push up the Eastern Conference standings.
While it’s still uncertain whether either player will suit up against Brooklyn, their upgraded status is at least a sign that the Bulls could be inching closer to full strength. And with the team already finding ways to win shorthanded, the potential return of Giddey and Jones could be the boost they need to keep that momentum rolling.