The Chicago Bulls are one of the more surprising teams in the NBA this season. They have dropped their last two games, but a 6-3 start is something fans are excited about. To make matters better for Chicago, the team is doing all of this without Coby White, though he is set to return soon.
The best player for the Bulls this season has been Josh Giddey. However, the fifth-year pro is dealing with an ankle injury after getting crossed up against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He entered Monday with a questionable tag on the injury report, but Giddey has been downgraded to out.
Per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Giddey is set to miss Monday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, but is not expected to miss significant time.
Bulls Dodged a Bullet With Josh Giddey Injury
GettyJosh Giddey will miss Monday’s game against the Spurs with an ankle injury.
Giddey has been the heartbeat of the team in Chicago. He is averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game. The 23-year-old leads the team in both points and assists. In fact, Giddey was the first player since Michael Jordan to record two straight triple-doubles. He is great on both ends of the court, and his absence will have a significant impact on the game.
Luckily for Chicago, Giddey is not expected to miss significant time. Ankle injuries are always tricky. They can keep players out for weeks at a time. As of right now, Giddey is only slated to miss Monday’s tilt with the Spurs.
The Bulls will be forced to rely on their other players in this game. Kevin Huerter and Ayo Dosunmu will have to take on a bigger role. Chicago’s biggest strength is their depth, so they have the players to compete without Giddey. But the Bulls are hopeful to get the Australian guard back in the lineup as soon as possible.
Giddey’s next chance to suit up will be Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
Giddey Is Paramount to the Bulls’ Hot Start
GettyJosh Giddey is averaging 21.4 points per game this season.
The Bulls are guaranteed to have a winning record through their first 10 games, no matter what happens on Monday night. A big reason for that has been Giddey. He is the team leader in multiple statistical categories, but he is also the floor general Chicago has been looking for.
Chicago came back from down 24 points to the Philadelphia 76ers last week, and Giddey had the game-winning assist. He has been drawing defenders off their man, opening up shots for his teammates. Additionally, he leads the team in defensive win shares. The Bulls are a weaker defensive team, so not having Giddey is going to make it tougher to make stops.
San Antonio is 7-2, and they are 13th in the NBA in points per game (119.3) and fourth in points allowed (110.7). With Giddey out, Chicago will have to be near perfect on both ends of the court if they are going to get back in the win column.
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