Chicago played their first game of the year on Monday without Josh Giddey’s potent offense on the floor. The newly extended star guard was sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered on Saturday night, one that he would return to finish the game after a brief visit to the locker room. Two days later, he was announced out as the Bulls hosted the San Antonio Spurs. Tonight, four days post-injury, more negative news is spilling into the situation. What was first thought to be a one-game absence if he missed any time at all has now become more than a week on the pine. Here’s the latest word from Billy Donovan on his All-Star caliber point guard’s return to play.

Announced Out Tonight Versus Detroit Pistons

Per head coach Billy Donovan, Josh Giddey will not suit up tonight in Detroit and will miss his second straight outing. This is a rematch of Chicago’s opening night game, a contest in which they stunned the Pistons 115-111 behind Nikola Vucevic’s 28-point performance. Cade Cunningham had one of his worst games of the season that night and was also announced out for tonight’s chance at redemption. The silver lining for Giddey missing tonight’s battle is that they’ll also be without their star point guard. Kevin Huerter is starting again in his absence.

Bulls have three days between games and a contact practice scheduled for Friday. Soft target is for Giddey to be available for West Coast trip, perhaps even Sunday in Salt Lake City. https://t.co/M0sT7w6Wxq

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Full Strength On The West Coast

Sunday could be the most exciting day of the season for the Bulls. Chicago will visit the Utah Jazz as part of a three-game West Coast road trip, which has been the target return date range for their two best players. Coby White and Josh Giddey have both been targeted sometime between Sunday and next Wednesday for a return to action. After a 6-1 start without Coby White, missing Ayo Dosunmu for a handful of games, and now without Giddey, this will be their first look at a nearly entirely healthy roster. The lone injury will be Zach Collins, who isn’t due back for at least another month.

Coby White returns soon 👀

K.C. details how the Bulls offense can flourish once their top scorer from last season returns to the lineup

Full episode of The Fastbreak, presented by @dunkindonuts ➡️ https://t.co/cKhsjBcDr5 pic.twitter.com/5LMdJ5fvEo

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With a backcourt duo who have both averaged 20 or more points on their own, what can the young pairing of White and Giddey propel the Bulls to for the remainder of the season? Thankfully, next week we will get a glimpse of one of the best backcourts in the league.