Health returns to the Chicago Bulls as schedule softens

The Chicago Bulls have lost steam after a strong start to the season. Following a 6-1 opening, they’ve gone 3-8 over their last 11 contests. Despite pulling off a few surprise victories, including one over the Denver Nuggets, they have also dropped games to struggling teams such as the injury-hit Detroit Pistons, the Utah Jazz, and the two-win New Orleans Pelicans.

Beyond the weaker teams, the Bulls have faced a punishing schedule. They’ve squared off twice against Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, twice against the New York Knicks, and battled the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat.

The Bulls’ path looks easier over the next five games, with their opponents combining for just 22-68. Chicago will take on the Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers twice, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets, having already defeated the Magic, the only team above .500.

During a four-day break, the Bulls will see several key players return from injury. In their last game against the Pelicans, Chicago was missing Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro, Nikola Vucevic, and Dalen Terry. The absence of both big men, Collins and Vucevic, hurt most, as the Bulls allowed 78 points in the paint while starting 6-foot-7 Patrick Williams at center.

The Bulls are getting healthy

As the Bulls prepare to face the Hornets, Zach Collins remains the only player listed as unavailable. Two weeks ago, coach Billy Donovan indicated Collins could return around Thanksgiving. The 6-foot-10 forward has been without his wrist splint for most of the month and is expected to rejoin the lineup once his conditioning and comfort are fully restored.

Apart from Collins, Isaac Okoro is doubtful for the Hornets game, making his participation uncertain. Kevin Huerter, Dalen Terry, Nikola Vucevic, and Patrick Williams are all questionable but likely to suit up if no issues arise.

Bulls are in urgent need of a change of pace, and a softer schedule along with the return of key players from injury could provide it. After starting the season with a surprisingly strong defense, the team has slipped back into the same struggles as last year. Over their last 10 games, Chicago sits 25th in defensive rating, 28th in forced turnovers, and last in points allowed in the paint per game.

Getting the full roster healthy will give a better sense of whether Chicago’s offense is genuinely elite or simply average.

The post Health returns to the Chicago Bulls as schedule softens appeared first on ChiCitySports.