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Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls has been dealing with a left hamstring injury.
The Chicago Bulls have been without Josh Giddey since he re-aggravated his left hamstring injury on January 28 against the Indiana Pacers. The Bulls shared Giddey’s status ahead of their first game after the All-Star break on Thursday.
According to the Bulls’ official injury report, Giddey was listed as questionable because of a strained left hamstring. He could get upgraded to available or downgraded to out before tip-off versus the Toronto Raptors.
Giddey initially suffered the injury on December 29 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He missed the Bulls’ next 11 games, returning on January 22 in Minnesota to lead Chicago to a 120-115 win.
However, Giddey re-aggravated his left hamstring and missed the last four games before the All-Star break.
Giddey Expects to Play Against Raptors
According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network, Josh Giddey was a full participant in the Bulls’ practice on Wednesday. Giddey also expects to get cleared by the team doctors and make his return against the Toronto Raptors.
It will be interesting to see if the Bulls are going to put a minutes restriction on Giddey. When he initially returned from his left hamstring injury, he was averaging 26.8 minutes in four games. So he’s likely being limited to less than 30 minutes at home versus the Raptors.
Due to the injury, Giddey missed out on a first All-Star game selection. He was on the right path to becoming an All-Star, averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game before the left hamstring strain.
7 Players on Bulls’ Injury Report
Josh Giddey wasn’t the only player on the Chicago Bulls’ injury report ahead of their game against the Toronto Raptors. Tre Jones, who is also dealing with a left hamstring strain, is listed as questionable and could also be available to play for the first time since January 24.
Jalen Smith is tagged probable, so he’s more than likely getting cleared to suit up after missing the last three games due to a strained right calf. Zach Collins remains out with a sprained right first toe, while Noa Essengue has already been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in early December.
Yuki Kawamura and Mac McClung are also listed as out due to their two-way contract status. It will be interesting to see what the starting lineup would be under assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr., who is taking over for Billy Donovan.
Donovan Mourning Father’s Death
Coach Billy Donovan’s father, Billy Donovan Sr., passed away on Saturday at the age of 85. The Bulls gave their head coach a break to mourn and process the death of his father.
In his place, Wes Unseld Jr. will look to lead the Bulls to a win over the Raptors. Coach Donovan is expected to be back in Chicago on Friday and back in charge of the team on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons.
The Bulls enter the second half of the season with a record of 24-31. They are on a six-game losing streak and are 1-9 in their last 10 games.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He’s currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David
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