The Bulls-Knicks matchup isn’t just a showdown — it’s a durability gauntlet as Chicago’s backcourt balance hangs in the air with Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White on the watch list, rotations bracing for impact, and both benches preparing for a chess match built on grit, depth, and who can stay standing when the grind hits hardest. This isn’t a simple injury note; it’s a pressure moment where roles shift, locker-room intensity spikes, and coaches face the truth about who’s battle-ready when bodies tighten and the season’s weight gets real. Expect adjustments, next-man-up fire, and a momentum swing forged in pain tolerance and opportunity..ll

The Chicago Bulls will face the New York Knicks for the second time in three days. In their first matchup on Halloween, Chicago defeated New York 135-125, fueled by yet another balanced performance.

Six Bulls reached double figures on Halloween night, three starters and three reserves. Josh Giddey led the way with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Nikola Vucevic added 26 points and seven boards, while Ayo Dosunmu turned in a standout performance off the bench with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, along with four rebounds and nine assists. Dosunmu finished with a team-high plus-19.

Dosunmu has reached double figures in four of five games so far. His hot start includes a 57.7 percent field-goal rate and 47.6 percent from three. The 25-year-old guard is averaging 16.2 points off the bench, ranking seventh in the league in bench scoring.

Ayo Dosunmu is a game-time decision with a quad contusion

Dosunmu is in danger of missing his first game of the season after popping up on the injury report with a quad contusion. His absence would be a big loss for Chicago, but the Bulls’ depth should be able to hold down the fort. Preseason standout Jevon Carter has yet to play this season, while Dalen Terry has logged just eight minutes.

In addition to Coby White and Zach Collins, who have missed every game this season, 12th-overall pick Noa Essengue will also sit out tonight. However, Essengue—who hasn’t logged a minute this season—is on a G League assignment and isn’t listed with an injury. Donovan said Essengue will begin practicing and playing with the Windy City Bulls. Therefore, don’t expect to see the 18-year-old anytime soon.

Mitchell Robinson, who made his season debut for the Knicks on October 31, is once again listed as questionable with the same injury designation as last game. Given the recurring designation, it’s likely that Robinson will suit up and start for the second consecutive matchup against the Bulls. No other Knicks players are on the injury report.