The Chicago Bulls have been navigating a tough stretch without their floor general, Josh Giddey, who’s been sidelined for the last ten games with a hamstring injury suffered back on December 29 against the Timberwolves. His absence has been felt across the board - from offensive rhythm to late-game execution - but there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Giddey has been upgraded to “questionable” for Tuesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to the NBA’s official injury report. That’s the first real sign of progress since he went down, and it could mark a turning point for a Bulls team that’s been treading water in his absence.
Also listed as questionable is forward Patrick Williams, who’s dealing with a right ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Zach Collins remains out with a toe injury.
Even with the injuries, the Bulls are coming off a confidence-boosting 124-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday - one of their more complete performances in recent memory. That win pushed them to 20-22 on the season, good for 9th in the Eastern Conference. Over their last ten games, they’ve gone 5-5 - a stretch that perfectly captures the up-and-down nature of their season so far.
When Giddey has been on the floor, he’s been nothing short of essential. In 30 games this season, he’s averaging 19.2 points, 9.0 assists, and 8.9 rebounds per game - flirting with a triple-double on a nightly basis.
Those numbers aren’t just impressive; they’re foundational. He’s the engine of this team, and that four-year, $100 million deal he signed over the summer is looking more and more like a long-term investment in the Bulls’ identity.
Giddey’s impact goes beyond the box score. His ability to control tempo, find teammates in stride, and crash the glass gives Chicago a unique versatility they simply don’t have when he’s not in uniform. And while the Bulls have managed to stay competitive without him, there’s no question they’re a different team - a better team - when he’s out there orchestrating the offense.
Before the injury, Giddey was climbing the All-Star voting charts, sitting inside the top 20, and making a strong case to represent the Bulls on the big stage. He even had a brief stint with the Windy City Bulls in the G League, a strategic move to keep him in rhythm and game-ready. Since arriving in Chicago via trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of the 2024-2025 season, the 23-year-old has quickly become the face of the franchise.
Looking ahead, the Bulls have a tough week on tap. After the Clippers game on Tuesday, they’ll hit the road to face the Timberwolves on Thursday - the same team Giddey was injured against. Then it’s back home for a marquee matchup against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, a game that will double as a celebration of Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement - a night that’s sure to be emotional for fans and players alike.
If Giddey can return to the lineup this week, it could provide a much-needed boost for a Bulls team still trying to find its stride in a crowded Eastern Conference. With the season nearing its midpoint, Chicago knows it can’t afford to keep spinning its wheels. Getting their franchise player back might be the spark they’ve been waiting for.