The Portland Trail Blazers face the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Thursday, February 26, with tipoff set for 8:00 PM ET. Both teams enter the game carrying significant injuries that could alter rotations and scoring opportunities.
Portland will be without Deni Avdija (low back) and Damian Lillard (left Achilles), while Shaedon Sharpe (left calf) is also sidelined. Caleb Love is unavailable due to a two-way G League assignment. Robert Williams III (right foot) and Hansen Yang (mid back) are questionable. Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday remain healthy and are expected to lead the Blazers’ offense.
Chicago is missing Zach Collins (right first toe) and Noa Essengue (left shoulder) due to surgery. Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain) and Anfernee Simons (left ulnar styloid fracture) are also out. Jalen Smith (right calf) and Patrick Williams (right quadricep) are doubtful. Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis are projected to carry much of the Bulls’ scoring load.
The Trail Blazers split their last two games, losing to Minnesota 121-124 at home on February 24 and defeating Phoenix 92-77 on the road on February 22.
Chicago has dropped its last two games, falling 99-131 to Charlotte and 99-105 to New York, both at home.
This season, Chicago holds a narrow 122-121 win over Portland on November 19, 2025.
The matchup carries playoff implications as Portland sits 9th in the Western Conference at 28-31, while Chicago ranks 12th in the East at 24-35.
