The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets released extensive injury reports ahead of their NBA Cup meeting on Friday night at Spectrum Center.
Chicago enters the game at 9–8 and looks to rebound from a 143-130 loss in New Orleans, while Charlotte holds a 4–14 record and carries a seven-game losing streak.
This will be the first matchup between the two teams this season with both rosters dealing with significant absences.
The Bulls listed 10 players on the report, including several rotation pieces who are uncertain for Friday.
Kevin Huerter is questionable with a left pelvic contusion after averaging 12.6 points and 3.6 rebounds through 16 appearances.
Nikola Vucevic is also questionable with right patellofemoral syndrome, and the veteran center has been averaging 16.7 points and 9.6 rebounds on .495 shooting.
Coby White is questionable as well as he continues right calf injury management; he has played only four games but is averaging 24.0 points and 6.8 assists.
Isaac Okoro is doubtful due to a lower back issue, leaving his 8.2 points per game and perimeter defense uncertain for the trip.
Chicago will be without Zach Collins because of a left scaphoid fracture, while several players are assigned to the G League, including Noa Essengue, Trentyn Flowers, and Emanuel Miller.
Dalen Terry and Patrick Williams are questionable, adding further uncertainty to Billy Donovan’s rotation.
Charlotte’s injury report is shorter but includes key contributors.
Veteran wing Pat Connaughton is out with a right calf strain, removing a shooter who is hitting .375 from three.
Grant Williams remains sidelined following right knee surgery, leaving Charlotte without an important frontcourt defender.
Josh Green is still recovering from left shoulder surgery, limiting the Hornets’ wing depth during their losing streak.
Two-way players Drew Peterson, Antonio Reeves, and KJ Simpson remain unavailable, while rookie Tidjane Salaün is out on G League assignment.
The Hornets continue to rely on Miles Bridges, who is averaging 21.7 points and 6.4 rebounds, along with rookie Kon Knueppel, who has provided 18.6 points on .417 three-point shooting.
LaMelo Ball remains a central playmaker with 20.3 points and 8.8 assists per game, though Charlotte’s overall struggles have highlighted defensive shortcomings and inconsistent late-game execution.
Josh Giddey leads the Bulls in scoring, rebounding, and assists, entering Friday at 20.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists, making his availability crucial as Chicago looks to avoid consecutive losses.
