Chicago — The Bulls will be without leading scorer Josh Giddey for at least several weeks after the guard was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Team public relations later confirmed the injury classification, upgrading the previous description of hamstring tightness to a strain.
Giddey, enjoying a career-best campaign, is averaging 19.2 points, 9.0 assists and 8.9 rebounds through 29 appearances, topping Chicago in all three categories. His absence compounds backcourt issues for a team sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference at 15-17 after dropping two straight.
Head coach Billy Donovan is expected to rely on Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter and Jevon Carter to absorb Giddey’s minutes while Coby White (right calf) and Zach Collins (toe) also manage injuries. The stretch could influence Chicago’s strategy ahead of the trade deadline.
Porzingis Removed From Hawks Injury Report
Atlanta — Kristaps Porzingis is no longer listed on the Hawks’ injury report for Wednesday’s matchup with Minnesota, according to Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks. The 7-foot-3 center has missed 14 of the last 15 games, including 10 in a row, due to an unspecified illness.
Porzingis, who denied any recurrence of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome that affected him during the 2024-25 season with Boston, has averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks in a career-low 25.9 minutes when available for Atlanta.
The Hawks, losers of seven consecutive contests and now 15-19, hope his return bolsters a defense allowing 126 or more points in nine straight losses. Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring contract could also become a valuable salary-matching asset before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Jalen Johnson (illness) is cleared to play, while Trae Young is questionable with a right quad contusion.
Nets’ December Defense Draws Praise
Brooklyn — The Nets saw their three-game winning streak halted Monday by Golden State, but their defensive turnaround in December has attracted league-wide notice. Prior to surrendering 120 points to the Warriors, Brooklyn posted the NBA’s best defensive rating for the month, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News noted.
Victories over Toronto, Philadelphia and Minnesota highlighted the stretch, prompting Warriors coach Steve Kerr to commend interim head coach Jordi Fernández and his staff for instilling energy and organization amid a rebuild.
The Nets, still reshaping their roster, have used improved defense and clearer roles to stay competitive while charting their long-term course.
Source: Hoops Wire
