Arguably the healthiest they have been this season, the Chicago Bulls have faced two teams in a row that were missing at least some of their key players. Now, they’ll play a third.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially ruled out starters Darius Bazley and Al Horford for tonight’s matchup at the United Center. George Hill will also remain sidelined, and defensive menace Lu Dort is listed as questionable.
Darius Bazley (left shoulder contusion), Al Horford (rest), George Hill (right thumb surgery) and Josh Hall (left knee soreness) are out tonight at Chicago. Lu Dort (left toe sprain) is questionable.
First time Horford will rest in consecutive games.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) March 16, 2021
Oklahoma City’s 17-22 record might be better than expected so far this season, but they are still a unit that is more invested in a rebuild than winning games in the short-term. Now, without both their starting frontcourt pieces, this especially feels like a game the Bulls must win if they want to get back on track as a legitimate playoff threat.
Meanwhile, Chicago will be without Garrett Temple for the second-straight game due to an ankle injury. We were initially told by head coach Billy Donovan that he would receive an MRI on that ankle, but we have yet to get an update on what came of that test. While the Bulls do have the depth right now to make up for his absence, the sooner they can get his high-IQ play back on the court the better. Temple has averaged 8.5 points this season with 3.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
Bulls list Garrett Temple as out vs. OKC with his sprained left ankle.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 16, 2021