The Chicago Bulls are reeling. After a surprising 5–0 start, they’ve now dropped four straight, including a dismal loss to an injury-depleted Detroit squad, and sit at 6–5. It’s been a rough stretch in the Windy City, but reasons for optimism remain as greener pastures lie ahead.

Chicago received tremendous news on the injury front as both Josh Giddey and Coby White practiced fully on November 14, and center Zach Collins had the splint removed from his surgically repaired wrist.

Key Bulls make progress ahead of a busy week

Giddey had missed the Bulls’ last two games—the loss to Detroit and a four-point defeat against the San Antonio Spurs. He originally sprained his right ankle against the Cleveland Cavaliers and even returned to the game after suffering the injury. He was listed as questionable thereafter before ultimately being ruled out for two straight contests.

White, meanwhile, has yet to appear this season after suffering a calf strain in the offseason. The 6-foot-5 guard was initially expected to play in the preseason before the medical staff extended his recovery timeline. Then, four days into November, Billy Donovan offered a dire update, saying, “The hope is, in a couple weeks, [White] will play.”

Donovan’s earlier statement didn’t exude much confidence. Nonetheless, ten days later, White practiced fully, and both he and Donovan struck a more optimistic tone. White said he’s “pushing for three,” referring to the number of games he hopes to play before Chicago begins its five-game road trip over a seven-day span. Donovan also sounded encouraged, saying he expects White to be back on the floor next week.

Collins is already in game shape, but after having the splint removed from his left hand, he still needs to rebuild strength before returning to action. Donovan said Collins’ return window remains a few weeks away and expects the big man back sometime after Chicago’s November 24 matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. Conveniently, the Bulls have a three-day break before traveling to Charlotte to face the Hornets.

The updates on Giddey, White, and Collins couldn’t have come at a better time. The Bulls need reinforcements—and they need them badly. Without Giddey in the lineup, Chicago is 0–2, and the team is 6.4 points worse per 100 possessions when he’s off the floor.

Neither White nor Collins has suited up this season, but both are welcome additions, especially White, who led the team in scoring a year ago. Chicago has eclipsed 120 points only once in its last five games, which might be acceptable if the defense weren’t struggling so badly. That’s an area where Collins should provide immediate help.