The Chicago Bulls (7-11) are gearing up for tonight’s road matchup against the Washington Wizards (2-13) in an NBA Cup showdown. The Wizards enter the game on a grim note, having lost their first two NBA Cup games as part of their league-worst 11-game losing streak, which places them at the bottom of East Group C.
The Bulls, sitting just above the Wizards, hold a 1-1 record in the NBA Cup after a tough loss to the Cavaliers, who have been in strong form. On a brighter note for Chicago, Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine have been standout performers this season, each averaging over 20 points per game. When the duo finds their rhythm, the Bulls become a formidable force—a prospect that could very well materialize in tonight’s game.
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Despite Chicago’s offensive firepower, their inconsistency has been largely driven by their porous defense, allowing the most points per game in the league at 123.9. This defensive vulnerability has cost them several games this season. The Wizards aren’t far behind, surrendering 122.9 points per game, which could suggest we’re in for a high-scoring affair tonight.
For Washington, the absence of Jordan Poole, their star performer, could be a significant setback for an already struggling team. Meanwhile, the Bulls are also dealing with injuries that could impact their lineup. To get the latest on player availability, let’s turn to the injury reports and take a closer look at the depth charts for both teams as they prepare for this crucial matchup.
Bulls vs Wizards Injury Reports
See who’s in and who’s out ahead of the NBA Cup matchup bet the Bulls and Wizards.
Chicago Bulls Injury Report
The Chicago Bulls will be dealing with a few key absences and are questionable for tonight’s game in Washington. Forward Patrick Williams is officially ruled out due to a foot injury, while Adama Sanogo is also sidelined with a knee injury.
Julian Philips is listed as day-to-day due to an illness, making his availability uncertain for the game. Talen Horton-Tucker is also questionable due to a sprained right thumb, and Lonzo Ball, still recovering from a wrist injury, will not play against the Wizards. These absences could significantly impact the Bulls’ depth as they face off against a struggling Washington team.
Washington Wizards Injury Report
The Washington Wizards are facing some injury challenges heading into tonight’s NBA Cup matchup. The biggest name on their injury report is guard Jordan Poole, who is dealing with a hip issue and is listed as questionable for the game.
Power forward Tristan Vukcevic has already been ruled out due to a knee injury. Justin Champagnie, who has been performing well in the G League, will be a game-time decision for the Wizards. Lastly, Saddiq Bey remains out indefinitely with a knee injury, further impacting the team’s depth.
Depth Charts
See how the two teams stack up against each other and also their probable lineups for tonight.
Chicago Bulls Depth Chart
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Positions | Starters | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation |
PG | Josh Giddey | Ayo Dosunmu | Coby White |
SG | Coby White | Ayo Dosunmu | Zach LaVine |
SF | Zach LaVine | Dalen Terry | Matas Buzelis |
PF | Patrick Williams (out) | Julian Phillips | Torrey Craig |
C | Nikola Vucevic | Jalen Smith | Adama Sanogo |
Washington Wizards Depth Chart
Positions | Starters | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation |
PG | Jordan Poole (probable) | Carlton Carrington | Malcolm Brogdon |
SG | Malcolm Brogdon | Carlton Carrington | Corey Kispert |
SF | Bilal Coulibaly | Corey Kispert | Kyshawn George |
PF | Kyle Kuzma | Kyshawn George | Alexandre Sarr |
C | Alexandre Sarr | Jonas Valanciunas | Marvin Bagley III |
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The Chicago Bulls are undoubtedly the stronger team going into tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards, and they will be the favorites to win. With the scoring power of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White, the Wizards’ defense will have a tough time keeping up. If the Wizards are also without Jordan Poole, it further diminishes their chances to break their 11-game losing streak.
Kyle Kuzma will need to step up and carry the offensive load for Washington, but he hasn’t been able to consistently perform at the level required this season. The Bulls will likely capitalize on this and should have an advantage if they play to their strengths.
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Will Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic's scoring prowess be enough to mask the Bulls' defensive gaps?
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Will Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic's scoring prowess be enough to mask the Bulls' defensive gaps?
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