The Chicago Bulls might be without shooting guard Josh Giddey when they attempt to extend their two-game winning streak on Thursday against the Boston Celtics.
Josh Giddey:
- Giddey was on pace for his second triple-double in a Bulls uniform before leaving Monday night’s 122-121 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter with a right ankle injury. He did not return to the game. Giddey had injured the same ankle during the Paris Olympics.
- Finished the game with 11 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
- Giddey spent three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to Chicago last June in exchange for Alex Caruso. He is averaging 11.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 27 games this season.
Kristaps Porzingis:
- The Celtics are also dealing with an injury to center Kristaps Porzingis, who left Sunday’s 112-98 win against Washington with a right heel injury in the first half and did not return.
- Porzingis, Boston’s No. 3 scorer, missed the first month of the season recovering from offseason surgery on his left foot. He averages 19 points and seven rebounds per contest in seven games.
Upcoming Games:
- Thursday’s game is the first of back-to-back meetings between the Bulls and Celtics, with the teams facing each other again on Saturday in Chicago.
- Jayson Tatum scored 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help Boston secure a 138-129 road win against Chicago on Nov. 29 in their first meeting this season.
Team Performance:
- Despite missing leading scorer Zach LaVine (back) on Monday, the Bulls hit 14 three-pointers to secure the win. LaVine, averaging 21.7 points per game, has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors.
- The Bulls have made at least 10 three-pointers in 27 consecutive games, a franchise record.
- Like Chicago, Boston is on a two-game winning streak and has won 12 of their past 14 games.
