Bulls vs Clippers: Injury Updates on Derrick Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard, Josh Giddey
The Chicago Bulls will host the Los Angeles Clippers in a highly anticipated matchup. This is their first meeting of the season. Chicago is coming off a strong 22-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets. In contrast, the Clippers enter this game on a six-game winning streak.
Bulls’ Injury Updates: Key Player Possible Return
The Bulls may receive a significant boost with the potential return of guard Josh Giddey. He has missed the last ten games due to a strained hamstring suffered against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Giddey participated in a practice session with the Windy City Bulls on January 18, and reports indicate that he performed well.
Head coach Billy Donovan expressed optimism about Giddey’s availability. This opens the possibility for him to return against the Clippers or in their next game on Thursday in Minnesota. Giddey’s presence would greatly enhance the Bulls’ lineup, especially considering their challenging schedule ahead.
Other injury updates for the Bulls indicate a relatively light report. Zach Collins is sidelined due to a toe sprain, while Patrick Williams is expected to return later this week despite having a right ankle sprain.
Clippers’ Injury Report: Kawhi Leonard and Derrick Jones Jr. Out
On the Clippers’ side, they will be missing star player Kawhi Leonard for the third consecutive game. Leonard is in the midst of an impressive season, averaging a career-high 28.2 points, along with 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. His shooting statistics also reflect his efficiency: 49.7 percent from the floor and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Leonard’s injury is listed as a knee contusion, raising concerns due to his previous injuries. Additionally, Derrick Jones Jr. is also out with a more severe knee issue, specifically an MCL sprain. Jones sustained this injury on January 3 and will be reevaluated in mid-February. This marks his second MCL sprain this season. Another key absence for the Clippers is guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has been sidelined since late December due to a hamstring injury.
Full Injury Report for Bulls vs. Clippers
| Team | Status | Player | Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | Out | Zach Collins | Right Toe Sprain |
| Chicago Bulls | Out | Noa Essengue | Left Shoulder Surgery |
| Chicago Bulls | Questionable | Josh Giddey | Left Hamstring Strain |
| Chicago Bulls | Questionable | Patrick Williams | Right Ankle Sprain |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Out | Bradley Beal | Left Hip Fracture |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Out | Bogdan Bogdanovic | Left Hamstring Injury Management |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Out | Derrick Jones Jr. | Right Knee Sprain |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Out | Kawhi Leonard | Left Knee Contusion |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Not with team | Chris Paul | – |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Questionable | Cam Christie | Abdominal Soreness |
Fans can look forward to an exciting game as both teams deal with crucial injury updates. The Bulls aim to build on their recent success, while the Clippers strive to maintain their winning momentum despite key absences.
