The Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls enter Saturday night’s meeting at United Center dealing with extensive injury concerns that could significantly shape rotations on both sides.
Washington will be without Marvin Bagley III, who remains sidelined due to a right hip contusion. AJ Johnson is also ruled out with a right ankle contusion, reducing the Wizards’ guard depth for a team already navigating limited backcourt options during a 13-game losing streak. Tre Johnson is listed as questionable with left hip flexor soreness. Khris Middleton is unavailable due to right knee injury management.
Chicago’s injury list is longer, with nine players carrying designations ahead of tipoff, starting with Matas Buzelis, who is questionable with a right ankle sprain after averaging 5.5 rebounds per game.
Zach Collins will not play because of a left scaphoid fracture. Trentyn Flowers remains out due to illness, and Kevin Huerter is questionable as he continues to deal with a separate illness. Tre Jones, who has averaged 5.2 assists, is probable with left ankle impingement.
Isaac Okoro is questionable with left lumbar radiculopathy, while Dalen Terry is doubtful because of a left calf strain. Patrick Williams is listed as questionable with a left wrist sprain.
The Wizards enter the matchup at 1-14, having dropped their last 13 games, including losses to Toronto and Minnesota.
Alex Sarr leads Washington with 18.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, while Kyshawn George contributes 16.5 points and a team-best 4.7 assists. CJ McCollum adds 16.4 points per game.
Chicago stands at 8-7, coming off a heavy defeat to Miami but earning a narrow win over Portland earlier in the week behind strong late-game execution.
Coby White leads the Bulls with 26.0 points per game, supported by Josh Giddey’s 20.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 9.6 assists as one of the league’s most productive all-around contributors. Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic round out the scoring core, while Smith and Buzelis provide secondary rebounding if available.
Saturday’s matchup marks the first meeting between the teams this season.
