Bulls anticipate return of Jones, Okoro, Smith; Dosunmu and Huerter remain sidelined
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The injury-depleted Chicago Bulls expect to regain three rotation pieces when they face the Hornets in Charlotte on Friday night.
Veteran point guard Tre Jones, out the past three games with a left ankle sprain, practiced for a second straight day on Thursday and said he plans to play. Wings Isaac Okoro (left lumbar radiculopathy) and Jalen Smith (left hamstring strain) also went through a second consecutive full practice and are listed as probable. Head coach Billy Donovan cautioned that both Okoro and Smith will be on minutes restrictions if cleared.
Chicago will still be short-handed. Guard Ayo Dosunmu suffered a Grade 1 sprain of his right thumb and will not travel, while sharpshooter Kevin Huerter (left adductor strain) has yet to resume practice and will miss his fourth straight contest.
Donovan confident despite 9-14 start
With the Bulls mired in a seven-game skid, Donovan told reporters he believes the club can rebound without roster moves once it is healthier. “We’ve had an enormous amount of injuries,” he said, noting that suiting up with just seven available players is “challenging for any team.”
After Sunday’s lopsided loss to Golden State, Donovan remarked that his players “like each other” but have not consistently done the little things—such as boxing out and diving for loose balls—that demonstrate a deeper commitment. Guard Josh Giddey agreed, saying the Bulls “love each other” but must “play for each other” more often.
Veterans working to steady locker room
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the ongoing losing streak has strained team chemistry. A source told the outlet that guard Coby White is among the veterans trying to quell tension and curb finger-pointing while maintaining accountability.
Donovan highlighted center Nikola Vucevic as another steadying presence. The coach said Vucevic requested a recent meeting to discuss how he can help the group and voiced frustration when the team fails to carry over game-plan details. “I want him to use his voice,” Donovan said. “Vooch holds himself to a high standard but also knows we need everybody.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
