The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers enter Thursday night’s matchup with multiple injury concerns that could shape rotations and on-court strategies.
The Bulls, currently 12th in the Eastern Conference at 27-38, will be without Zach Collins, Noa Essengue, Anfernee Simons, and Jaden Ivey. Key contributors Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey are listed as probable, while Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro, Collin Sexton, and Guerschon Yabusele remain questionable.
Buzelis has been a consistent scorer for Chicago this season, averaging 15.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Giddey adds 17.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per contest when healthy.
The Bulls aim to build on their overtime win against Golden State on March 10 after a 16-point loss to Sacramento on March 8.
Los Angeles is dealing with uncertainty around several veterans. LeBron James is questionable with a right hip contusion and left foot arthritis, while Marcus Smart is doubtful with a right hip issue. Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes are listed as questionable and probable, respectively.
James has maintained averages of 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, while Hayes contributes 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench.
The Lakers enter the contest on a three-game winning streak after victories over Minnesota and New York.
Thursday’s matchup marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Lakers claimed a 129-118 win at Chicago on January 26.
