Bulls backcourt hit by injuries as losing skid reaches 10 games
bulls-backcourt-injuries-losing-streak
Chicago’s already thin backcourt absorbed two more blows Tuesday when head coach Billy Donovan announced that guards Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey will remain sidelined.
Simons playing through persistent hand fracture
Simons, obtained recently from Boston, has been managing a fracture in his left hand since Celtics training camp. He aggravated the injury Saturday and underwent imaging Monday. Doctors confirmed the break has not healed, but surgery is unnecessary unless the damage worsens. Donovan said the 25-year-old will return once pain subsides, though no timetable was provided.
Ivey shut down for at least two weeks
Ivey is dealing with soreness in his left knee and will be reevaluated in roughly 14 days. The 23-year-old has started a strength-building program designed to stabilize the area. “It’s going to be pretty intense,” Donovan explained, noting that pain has diminished but medical staff wants full strength restored before clearing him.
White moves on, debuts for Hornets
Former Chicago guard Coby White, traded to Charlotte earlier this month, faced his old club Tuesday. The pending free agent logged 16 minutes, finishing with 10 points and four assists. Reflecting on his Chicago tenure, White said he refuses to dwell on “what could have been,” adding that many factors were beyond his control.
Streak reaches double digits
The Bulls dropped their 10th straight game Tuesday, a 131-99 home loss that marks their longest skid since January 2019. Rookie forward Matas Buzelis supplied a career-best 32 points in the defeat.
Collins apologizes after season-ending surgery
Center Zach Collins, limited to 10 appearances this season, will undergo toe surgery and miss the remainder of the schedule. The veteran told Donovan he was “sorry” for being unavailable, noting that earlier wrist and toe issues prevented him from contributing. Collins will enter unrestricted free agency this summer.
Dillingham gets extended audition
Recent acquisition Rob Dillingham logged 23 minutes against Charlotte, producing five assists but shooting 2-for-9 and committing three turnovers. With multiple guards out, Donovan indicated the 21-year-old will continue to receive significant minutes.
Source: Hoops Rumors
