Chicago Bulls News & Analysis: In-Depth Team Coverage

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  • Will Lonzo Ball Play Against the Magic? Latest Update on His Injury Status

    Will Lonzo Ball Play Against the Magic? Latest Update on His Injury Status

    The Bulls are in a tough stretch, losing 9 of their last 11 games and falling to 24-38 on the season. Despite that, they are still in 10th place in the East and holding onto a Play-In spot. But that spot is precarious at best and Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic could be huge.

    The Magic are 8th in the East with a 29-34 record and have lost 4 in a row. But for the Bulls, this game might be even more challenging with injury issues mounting. 6 players from the Bulls rotation are on the injury report including Lonzo Ball who is dealing with a right wrist sprain.

    Lonzo Ball’s Status: Questionable for Thursday

    Lonzo Ball is questionable for the Bulls game against the Magic. He has missed the last 2 games (and 27 total this season) due to various injuries. Unfortunately, injuries have been a constant theme throughout his career so his availability is always a concern for the Bulls.

    Despite the setbacks, Ball has been a positive contributor when he’s played. This season he’s averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists in 22.2 minutes per game. He’s been a steady hand and veteran presence for the young Bulls and his ability to facilitate the offense and anchor the defense makes him a key player in close games like this one.

    The wrist sprain seems minor and there’s hope he won’t be out much longer. But the Bulls need to be cautious, the two year, $20 million extension they just gave him is a big investment.

    Why This Game Matters

    Both teams need wins, so Thursday’s game is big. For the Bulls, a win keeps them in the Play-In Tournament picture, while a loss drops them further back. For the Magic, a win gets them out of the Play-In altogether and into the playoffs.

    But if Ball can’t play, the Bulls are in trouble against a Magic team looking to end their four-game losing streak. Orlando has a strong defensive identity and a bunch of young talent, so they’re tough even without the momentum.

    FAQs About Lonzo Ball and the Bulls vs. Magic

    Is Lonzo Ball playing against the Magic?

    As of now, Lonzo Ball is questionable with a right wrist sprain. It’s not serious, but his status is uncertain going into Thursday’s game.

    How important is Lonzo Ball to the Bulls?

    He’s the floor general and defensive anchor. Without him, there’s a void in leadership and playmaking that can hurt the Bulls in close games.

    What is Lonzo Ball’s injury history like?

    Ball has had a ton of injuries throughout his career – knees, ankles, etc. This season alone, he’s missed 27 games. Yeah.

    Can the Bulls stay in the Play-In Tournament without Ball?

    They can, but it gets way harder. Ball’s impact on both ends of the floor is huge and his absence puts more pressure on others to step up.

    When do the Bulls and Magic tip off?

    The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 6, in Orlando.

  • Zach Collins Breakout Season Could Open Doors for the Chicago Bulls

    Zach Collins Breakout Season Could Open Doors for the Chicago Bulls

    While the Chicago Bulls’ trade for Zach LaVine was a total bust, leaving them with nothing to show for it but expiring contracts and draft picks, there’s been a silver lining: Zach Collins. The 7-footer they acquired in the deal is starting to make his presence felt on the court. His recent play could be a big advantage for the Bulls heading into the offseason.

    Collins Finds His Groove in Chicago

    After barely playing for the San Antonio Spurs this season, Collins has found new life in Chicago. The Bulls are giving him big minutes—26 per game—and he’s delivering.

    What Collins Brings to the Table

    • Overall: Since joining the Bulls, Collins is averaging 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists while shooting 55%.
    • Recent: Over his last 5 games, Collins has upped his output to 18.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists while shooting 59%. This bump in production is partly due to Nikola Vučević being out.

    Collins’ emergence isn’t just good for his career—it’s also a asset for the Bulls as they navigate their rebuild.

    Can Collins Be Traded?

    With Collins showing life, the Bulls have a decision to make: Keep him as part of their long-term plans or trade him while his value is high?

    Why Now Is the Time to Trade Collins?

    Several reasons why Collins is trade bait:

    • Age and Upside: At just 27 years old, Collins fits the timeline of teams looking to contend now or build for the future.
    • Cheap Contract: He makes $18 million next season. Most playoff teams can handle that.
    • Market Demand: Bigs who can stretch, defend, and score are always in demand.

    But timing is key. Collins is in the final year of his deal in 2025 so any team that acquires him will want to move fast to get the most out of him. Waiting until next season’s trade deadline might hurt his value as teams will want him for training camp and a full season.

    Bulls’ Dilemma: Keep or Trade?

    If the Bulls keep him, it could be as a replacement for Nikola Vučević whose contract is up after next season. But keeping him comes with risks. If they don’t extend him he could walk in unrestricted free agency in 2026 and the Bulls would get nothing.

    For a team that needs to rebuild, moving Collins now makes sense-especially if they can get draft capital or young talent in return. Given their history of poor timing in trades (e.g. Alex Caruso, Coby White) the Bulls need to act fast before it’s too late.

  • Will Donovan Mitchell Play Tonight Against the Bulls? Latest Cavs Injury Report (March 4, 2025)

    Will Donovan Mitchell Play Tonight Against the Bulls? Latest Cavs Injury Report (March 4, 2025)

    The Cleveland Cavaliers (50-10) are heading into a big one against the Chicago Bulls (24-37) at the United Center on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET. Both teams are dealing with injuries but the Cavaliers have the edge as Donovan Mitchell has been cleared to play. Here’s what you need to know:

    Is Donovan Mitchell Playing Tonight?

    Yes, Donovan Mitchell is good to go for tonight’s game vs Chicago Bulls. The All-Star guard has been the driving force for the Cavaliers all season and has been playing great. Over his last 20 games he’s averaging 24.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5 assists and 3.6 three’s per game (4th in the NBA). He’ll be huge stretching the defense and creating opportunities for the Cavaliers against a struggling Bulls team.

    Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report (March 4, 2025)

    Evan Mobley Out for Rest

    The injury report is quiet, with just one name worth noting:

    • Evan Mobley (rest): Out due to workload management. The team is keeping their key players fresh for the playoffs.

    Even without Mobley, the Cavs are a beast, scoring 123.1 points per game (2nd in the league) and allowing 111.6 points per game (4th in the league).

    Chicago Bulls Injury Report (March 4, 2025)

    The Bulls have a long injury list and it’s going to hurt tonight:

    • Patrick Williams (knee): Out
    • Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder): Out
    • Nikola Vucevic (calf): Out
    • Josh Giddey (quadricep): Questionable

    Giddey’s absence would be big. He’s averaged 16.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists over his last 20 games.

    Meanwhile Coby White (thumb) is probable. He’s averaged 18.3 points per game and will have to carry more load if Giddey can’t go.

    When and Where to Watch

    • Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
    • Time: 8 p.m. ET
    • Location: United Center, Chicago
    • TV Channels: CHSN and FDSOH
    • Streaming: Fubo (region restrictions apply)

    If you want to see Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs take on the Bulls, don’t miss this one.

  • Coby White Shines in Overtime, Bulls Stun Raptors with 125-115 Comeback Win

    Coby White Shines in Overtime, Bulls Stun Raptors with 125-115 Comeback Win

    The Chicago Bulls pulled off an amazing comeback Friday night, 125-115 in overtime against the Toronto Raptors. Trailing by 16 points in the 4th quarter and down 4 with 6.2 seconds left in regulation, the Bulls rallied behind Coby White who scored 15 of his 24 points in the 4th quarter and overtime. His 4-point play with seconds remaining in regulation tied the game and sent it to overtime where the Bulls dominated.

    Coby White’s Heroics Seal the Win

    Coby White was the star of the night, scoring 15 of his 24 points in the 4th quarter and overtime. His 4-point play with seconds remaining in regulation tied the game and sent it to overtime.

    “It’s big for us, especially because we’re a young team to get that experience of winning and playing in those big games,” White said after the game. “It’s a single-elimination game, a big time environment. It’s good for us as a team and obviously we got guys here who want to win.”

    White is the only holdover from the previous regime and has become the team’s closer since DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine left. His ability to perform in crunch time has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough season for the Bulls.

    Bulls Overcome Adversity

    The game didn’t go well for the Bulls who found themselves down 30-27 after one, 63-54 at halftime and 90-81 going into the 4th. Toronto extended the lead to 97-81 early in the 4th but the Bulls wouldn’t quit.

    White’s 11 points in a 6 minute stretch brought the Bulls within 1, 101-100, with 4:05 left in the game. Despite Toronto regaining control late White’s 4 point play with 2 seconds left tied the game and sent it to OT.

    In OT the Bulls took control with Lonzo Ball hitting two threes and Ayo Dosunmu stealing a lazy pass for a breakaway dunk. The Bulls outscored the Raptors 15-5 in OT to win.

    What This Win Means for the Bulls?

    The Bulls are 24-36 and fighting to get into the play in tournament. With 22 games left in the season every win matters. Friday’s win showed the team’s toughness and competitiveness which will help them make a late season push.

    “They want to play in the postseason,” said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. “They’d love to advance and try to do that. That’s why these guys compete. It’s hard to tell a player or a team, ‘Oh winning isn’t that important.’ These guys get paid to play the game of basketball and compete and they want to win.”

    Key Performances Beyond White

    While White was the star Josh Giddey had 19 points and 12 assists, Zach Collins had 15 points and 13 rebounds and Lonzo Ball had 14 points and 4 threes. The balance showed the depth of the team.

    Bulls next game is Tuesday vs Cleveland. They need more of Friday for play-in.

  • Is Arturas Karnisovas Too Relaxed for the Bulls? Fans Weigh In

    Is Arturas Karnisovas Too Relaxed for the Bulls? Fans Weigh In

    The Chicago Bulls have been in flux for years and fans are getting more and more frustrated with the direction of the team. And at the center of it all is Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls’ EVP of basketball operations. A recent Chicago Sun-Times article has reignited questions about Karnisovas’ leadership and whether he’s taking his job seriously enough to make the Bulls contenders.

    Karnisovas’ Unserious Demeanor Raises Eyebrows

    According to Chicago Sun-Times, Karnisovas is still projecting an image that many see as unserious. From his casual press conferences to his lack of urgency in addressing the team’s problems, fans and analysts are wondering if he’s the right man to get the Bulls out of mediocrity.

    One of the most obvious example of this is Karnisovas’ handling of the roster. Despite having multiple chances to make moves, the Bulls have done nothing and fans are wondering if he has a plan.

    Fans Voice Their Frustrations

    Bulls fans are taking to social media and sports talk shows to vent. Many feel Karnisovas’ laid back approach is a reflection of his job— one that lacks urgency and decisiveness to build a winner.

    “It’s like he doesn’t realize how desperate this fanbase is for a competitive team,” one fan tweeted. “We’ve been stuck in this cycle of mediocrity for years and it doesn’t seem like he’s in any hurry to change that.”

    Missed Opportunities and Dumb Decisions

    Karnisovas has made some dumb decisions during his tenure, including not trading Zach LaVine when his value was highest and not going all in on a rebuild. Instead the Bulls are stuck in NBA limbo-not good enough to win a championship but not bad enough to get a high draft pick.

    The recent trade deadline was another missed opportunity for Karnisovas to make a splash. While other teams in the East made big moves to get better the Bulls just made tiny tweaks.

    What’s Next for the Bulls?

    With the season winding down and the Bulls probably headed for another early playoff exit or worse miss the playoffs altogether the heat is on Karnisovas to prove he’s the right man for the job. Fans are calling for direction whether that means going all in on a rebuild or making moves to compete now.

    One thing is for sure: Karnisovas current approach isn’t winning over the fanbase. If he wants to silence his critics he’ll need to show some real seriousness and urgency that has been missing so far.

  • The Patrick Williams Contract Was a Miss- Can the Bulls Nail It with Josh Giddey?

    The Patrick Williams Contract Was a Miss- Can the Bulls Nail It with Josh Giddey?

    The Chicago Bulls may not admit it publicly, but they know they messed up with Patrick Williams. Last offseason, they chose not to extend the former No. 4 overall pick, hoping he’d prove his worth in the 2023-24 season. Instead, Williams delivered the same underwhelming performance, suffered a season-ending foot injury, and still landed a five-year, $90 million deal in restricted free agency. Now, as Josh Giddey approaches his own restricted free agency, the Bulls insist they’ve learned their lesson. But have they?

    The Patrick Williams Mistake

    Patrick Williams was supposed to be a cornerstone for the Bulls. Drafted 4th overall in 2020, he showed flashes but never delivered. Last year the Bulls decided to let him play out his contract year before committing long term.

    But Williams didn’t rise to the occasion. He averaged nearly identical stats to his first two seasons, played only 43 games due to injury, and was even benched by head coach Billy Donovan in January. Despite this, the Bulls handed him a $90 million extension before other teams could even make offers in restricted free agency.

    The move left many scratching their heads. Williams’ lack of development and injury concerns made the deal look like a massive overpay—one the Bulls now regret.

    Josh Giddey: The Next Test

    With Josh Giddey set to hit restricted free agency this summer, the Bulls have a chance to prove they’ve learned from the Williams debacle. Giddey, acquired in a trade with the Thunder, has shown promise but also inconsistency.

    After a career-worst year in Oklahoma City, Giddey’s camp reportedly sought a $30 million annual deal last offseason. While his averages of 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists look solid on paper, his first season in Chicago has been a mixed bag.

    But Giddey is finishing the season strong. Over his last 4 games he’s averaged 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.5 steals. This hot streak has raised his stock but the Bulls can’t let it cloud their judgement.

    Have the Bulls Really Learned?

    According to Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson, the Bulls’ front office claims they’ve learned from the Williams situation. “I’ve been told… that the Bulls have learned from that situation,” Johnson said. “My feeling is if you’re the Bulls, you let Josh Giddey go and get an offer sheet.”

    The smart move would be to let Giddey test the market and match any reasonable offer. With limited cap space across the league, the Bulls could potentially retain him at a team-friendly price. But given their history, there’s no guarantee they’ll stick to the plan.

  • Why the Chicago Bulls Are at Risk of Falling Apart This Year?

    Why the Chicago Bulls Are at Risk of Falling Apart This Year?

    The Bulls surprised everyone at the trade deadline by adding Another center to the roster instead of moving one. With Zach Collins aboard, the Bulls now have three big men—Collins, Nikola Vucevic, and Jalen Smith—battling for playing time. While depth is usually a good thing, this might be a headache for Billy Donovan to balance development, trade value and team chemistry.

    Why Zach Collins is a problem

    Zach Collins, acquired in the Zach LaVine deal, isn’t a throw-in piece. The 27 year old has shown he can play. Over his last three games with the Bulls, Collins has averaged 16.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists. Including a monster game against the Clippers where he went 21 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists.

    Collins is younger than Vucevic and on an expiring deal next season so he’s an interesting piece for the Bulls to evaluate. Do they want to build up his trade value or keep him around? Collins has earned minutes.

    The Nikola Vucevic dilemma

    Vucevic, the Bulls’ veteran center, has been a mainstay in the lineup for years. But at 33 years old his long term fit with a rebuilding team is in question. The Bulls didn’t trade him at the deadline so they’ll have to play him to maintain his trade value or use his experience to mentor the young players.

    But Vucevic’s calf soreness has opened the door for Collins to play. If Collins keeps playing above expectations it’s going to force the Bulls to make a tough decision: bench Vucevic or stunt Collins’ growth.

    Jalen Smith’s Part in the Puzzle

    Jalen Smith, the youngest of the three at 24, signed a three year deal this offseason and has been good in limited minutes, 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 15.0 minutes. As a player with upside the Bulls should want to see what he can do with more minutes.

    But with Collins and Vucevic also needing minutes, Smith’s development may take a backseat unless Donovan gets creative with his rotations.

    Billy Donovan’s Dilemma

    Donovan now has to figure out how to distribute minutes among three bigs. Here are his options:

    1. Bench Vucevic: While extreme, this would allow Collins and Smith to get more reps and potentially boost their trade value or development.
    2. Two-Big Lineups: Try Collins and Smith together, though both are more natural fives.
    3. Rotate Based on Matchups: Use each player situationally, but this could lead to inconsistent roles and frustration.

    With the Bulls out of the playoff picture, wins and losses don’t matter as much. But how Donovan handles this will have long term implications for the rebuild.

  • Paul George Slams 76ers: ‘No Sign of a Team That Will Compete’

    Paul George Slams 76ers: ‘No Sign of a Team That Will Compete’

    The Sixers have hit rock bottom and Paul George is not happy. After Monday’s 142-110 debacle against the Chicago Bulls, George went off on the team, wondering if they have what it takes to make the playoffs or even be relevant this season.

    With the Sixers at 20-37 and in 12th place in the East, it’s time to face the music. They’re on an 8 game losing streak and George’s comments are grim. Let’s get into what he said, the problems and what’s ahead for this team.

    Paul George’s Harsh Criticism

    After the blowout loss to the Bulls, George didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts on the 76ers. He told reporters:

    “We’ve shown no sign of a team that will compete. I don’t see how we can win a playoff spot, let alone a championship.”

    George’s comments sum up the growing unrest in the organization and among fans. Despite having one of the best players in the league, the Sixers have not lived up to the hype this season. They can’t even get on a winning streak.

    Where Do the 76ers Stand?

    At 20-37 the Sixers are in the midst of a rebuild – or at least that’s how it feels to fans and players. They’re 2.5 out of the last play in spot, so a late season run could still get them in. But with how things are going, that seems unlikely.

    One of the biggest problems with the Sixers is the absence of their superstar center Joel Embiid. Embiid, who’s been dealing with a knee injury, is the heart and soul of this team. Without him on the court the Sixers don’t have the scoring or defensive presence to hang with the elite.

    Can the 76ers Turn Things Around?

    The Sixers’ next chance to get back on track is Wednesday against the New York Knicks (37-20). The Knicks are one of the top teams in the East so a win would be a big boost. But given their recent play and injuries, hope is in short supply.

    Here are some things to watch to see if the Sixers can turn it around:

    1. Joel Embiid’s Health

    Embiid’s status is up in the air as he deals with his knee injury. If he can get back in the lineup and be MVP Joel, the Sixers might have a shot. But if he’s out, their playoff chances are slim.

    2. Defence

    The Sixers allowed 142 points to the Bulls—a huge red flag. Fixing that is key if they want to beat better teams.

    3. Leadership and Chemistry

    Paul George said it best: lack of leadership and chemistry on the roster. For a team with this much talent they can’t seem to get on the same page. That’s not just Xs and Os, that’s buy-in from every single player.

    FAQs About the 76ers’ Struggles

    Why is Paul George mad at the 76ers?

    Paul George was fed up after the 8th straight loss. “We’ve shown no sign of a team that will compete”. He’s worried about playoff and championship contention.

    What are the 76ers record?

    The 76ers are 20-37 and in 12th place in the East.

    How many games away from the play-in?

    The Sixers are 2.5 games out of the last play-in spot. A late season run could get them back in the mix.

    Is Joel Embiid playing?

    Joel Embiid is out with a knee injury. Uncertain when he’ll be back but if he does, they’ll be much better.

    Who do the 76ers play next?

    The Sixers’ next game is against the New York Knicks (37-20) on Wednesday. It will be a tough matchup, but a win could provide momentum for the struggling team.

  • What’s Josh Giddey Worth? Let’s Ask the Bulls Star Himself

    What’s Josh Giddey Worth? Let’s Ask the Bulls Star Himself

    Josh Giddey, the Chicago Bulls’ guard, has been a hot topic this season. With his contract up and free agency around the corner, fans and analysts are asking: What’s Josh Giddey worth? Instead of speculating, let’s hear it from the man himself.

    Josh Giddey’s NBA Career

    Since entering the league, Josh Giddey has proven himself to be a versatile playmaker with high basketball IQ.

    • Rookie Year: Giddey came in as a rookie and showed he could fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds and assists.
    • Bulls Time: Since joining the Bulls, Giddey has continued to grow and become a key piece of the backcourt.
    • Tools: At 6’8”, Giddey’s size, vision and passing ability make him a special talent in today’s NBA.

    But with his rookie contract running out, the question of his value becomes more and more relevant.

    Giddey’s Take on His Worth

    Asked about his value on the open market Giddey didn’t hesitate.

    • Confidence in His Game: “I think I bring a lot to the table,” Giddey said. “I can play multiple positions, facilitate, rebound and score when needed. I think my versatility is my biggest strength.”
    • Team-First Mentality: Giddey said his focus is on helping the Bulls win but he’s aware of the business side of the NBA. “At the end of the day it’s a business. I just want to play my game and let everything else take care of itself.”
    • Proving His Worth: Giddey knows his performance on the court will determine his value. “I’m not worried about the numbers. I just want to keep improving and showing what I can do.”

    What Would Teams Pay Giddey?

    Giddey’s self assessment is interesting but what would teams actually pay for him?

    • Comparable Contracts: Players with similar skill sets like Lonzo Ball and Kyle Anderson have signed deals in the $15-20 million per year range. Giddey’s youth and potential could get him more.
    • Market Demand: Teams needing a versatile playmaker with size would likely pay up for Giddey. He can impact the game in many ways and is a nice piece.
    • Bulls’ Dilemma: The Chicago Bulls will have to decide if they match any offers Giddey gets in free agency or let him go. His fit with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan will be a big part of that decision.

    FAQs

    How much is Josh Giddey worth?
    Unknown but $15-20 million+ maybe more

    What does Josh Giddey bring to teams?
    Size, playmaking, versatility. He can score, rebound, facilitate

    Will the Bulls re-sign Josh Giddey?
    It depends on offers and the Bulls’ long term plans. His play this season will be a big part of the decision.

    What are Josh Giddey’s strengths?
    Court vision, passing, rebounding for his position, multi positional

    How’s Josh Giddey doing this season?
    He’s been a consistent contributor for the Bulls, showing his all around game and proving he’s a key piece of the backcourt.