Bulls injury report vs. Hawks: Trae Young, Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball, and more

The Chicago Bulls will face the Atlanta Hawks for the third time in the first 31 games of the season tonight. Thus far, Chicago is 2-0 against Atlanta, defeating the Hawks 125-113 on November 9 and 136-122 on November 20. After tonight, the Bulls will face the Hawks once more this season on January 15.

Leading up to tonight’s battle, Chicago is amid a two-game losing streak, failing to defeat the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks in back-to-back home games. Aside from two consecutive losses, the most concerning trend is the Bulls’ newfound lack of offensive firepower. Chicago has averaged a mere 94.5 over its last two contests.

As for Atlanta, the Hawks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday to halt a three-game losing streak. Despite missing several key contributors, including Bogdan Bogdanovic and Onyeka Okongwu, the Trae Young-led squad saw sharpshooting reserve Garrison Matthews drop a season-high 25 points in the victory. Matthews ranked second on the team in scoring, behind only Young, who dropped 29 points in the winning effort.

Trae Young’s status is up in the air ahead of tonight’s contest

Although he’s been dealing with a right heel contusion for nearly a week, Young has continued to suit up for the 15-15 Hawks, only missing one contest because of the hindrance. Young has missed only two games this season, one due to a heel contusion and the other because of Achilles tendinitis in November.

Lonzo Ball is set to miss his second consecutive game

Perhaps the most capable player of defending Young, Lonzo Ball, has been ruled out ahead of Thursday night’s matchup. The 27-year-old combo guard’s status was downgraded from doubtful to out this morning as he continues to deal with an illness.

Following several seasons lost to injury, Ball made his return to the hardwood in Chicago’s season opener. He’s appeared in 12 games, averaging 5.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while converting 31.3 percent of his field goals.

Josh Giddey is a game-time decision

Unlike Ball, there’s a shot Josh Giddey makes his return to the lineup from injury. The Aussie has missed three consecutive contests following an ankle injury on December 16 in a win against the Toronto Raptors. In the three games prior to the injury, Giddey had averaged 12.3 points, 8.3 boards, and 8.7 assists. Since Giddey has been out of the lineup, the Bulls have struggled on offense, losing two games and winning one.