The Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Friday night with significantly different injury situations, as Chicago enters the game with a lengthy report while Oklahoma City lists only three unavailable players. The matchup is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Chicago has 11 players on the official injury report. Several rotation pieces carry uncertain statuses heading into the road contest.
Anfernee Simons is listed as doubtful because of a fracture in his left ulnar styloid. The guard has averaged 15.2 points in six appearances this season while shooting 43.8% from the field.
The Bulls have already ruled out multiple players. Zach Collins (right toe sprain), Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery), Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome), and Jalen Smith (right calf strain) will not play.
Two-way players Yuki Kawamura and Mac McClung are also unavailable because they are assigned to the G League.
Chicago has several players whose availability will be determined closer to tipoff. Nick Richards is questionable with a right elbow sprain, while Guerschon Yabusele carries a questionable designation due to a left ankle sprain.
Rob Dillingham and wing Isaac Okoro are both listed as probable despite knee-related injuries. Dillingham is dealing with bilateral patella tendonitis, and Okoro is managing right patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Josh Giddey has averaged 17.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game, making him a central playmaking option if other ball handlers remain limited.
Matas Buzelis has also carried a significant role for Chicago. The Lithuanian forward is averaging 16.3 points and 5.6 rebounds while starting all 71 games he has played this season.
The Thunder enter the game with a much shorter injury list. Oklahoma City has ruled out three players, though none are part of the primary rotation.
Brooks Barnhizer is unavailable because of a G League two-way assignment. Thomas Sorber continues to recover from right ACL surgery, and Nikola Topic is on G League assignment.
Oklahoma City’s core rotation remains intact. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league’s top Western Conference team with 31.5 points and 6.6 assists per game.
Frontcourt support comes from Chet Holmgren, who averages 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per contest. Isaiah Hartenstein provides interior rebounding with 9.5 boards per game.
Oklahoma City enters the matchup with a 57–16 record, the best mark in the Western Conference standings. Chicago is 29–43 and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference.
The teams met earlier this season on March 3 when Oklahoma City secured a 116–108 road win at the United Center.
