The Chicago Bulls are getting some offensive reinforcement as Collin Sexton is set to suit up against the Toronto Raptors. Head coach Billy Donovan confirmed Sexton’s availability after he was questionable entering the day.
Sexton had been sidelined for four consecutive games due to a leg injury he sustained against the Sacramento Kings. The Bulls went 2-2 in those games.
Sexton’s Return and Impact
Prior to his injury, Sexton had been playing his best basketball of the season. He scored 20+ points in four straight games, including a 28-point performance against the Kings in just 22 minutes.
The Bulls will need to balance Sexton’s return with the development of Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. Both Buzelis and Giddey have been playing well recently, with Buzelis showing improvement as a scorer.
Okoro’s Absence Continues
Isaac Okoro will miss his fifth consecutive game. He is out with knee soreness, having been ruled out right before tip-off against the Golden State Warriors.
Okoro had played in 55 of the team’s 64 games and is considered their top defender. His absence could create problems against the Raptors, especially after Brandon Ingram scored 31 points against the Bulls in their previous match.
Other Injury Updates
Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey also remain sidelined. Ivey will be re-evaluated in less than a week, as he works on strengthening his injured knee, with the aim of returning before the end of the season.
Simons will be re-evaluated a few days after Ivey as he continues to rehab a fractured wrist.
The Bulls are set to re-evaluate Ivey in a little less than a week.
Current Bulls Injury List:
- Anfernee Simons – OUT (wrist)
- Jaden Ivey – OUT (knee)
- Isaac Okoro – OUT (knee)
- Noa Essengue – OUT FOR SEASON (shoulder)
- Zach Collins – OUT FOR SEASON (wrist)
- Collin Murray-Boyles – OUT (thumb)
The Bulls have not acted like a team willing to sit players for the sake of development or lottery odds.