Bulls Face Mounting Injury Crisis as They Try to Regain Early-Season Form

The Chicago Bulls began November looking like one of the breakout teams in the Eastern Conference. Their 6–1 start showcased energy, cohesion, and a sense of renewed purpose that suggested they were ready to rejoin the conference’s upper tier. But as the month winds down, the tone surrounding the franchise has shifted sharply, and Friday’s meeting with the Charlotte Hornets arrives at a turbulent time.

What once felt like a team building steady momentum has become a unit fighting simply to remain functional. Chicago enters the night at 9–8, its promising start slowed by inconsistency and a growing injury toll that has stretched the roster thin. The current injury report reveals the severity of the situation.

With 11 players listed, the Bulls are suddenly navigating one of the most challenging stretches of their season. Rotation regulars, defensive anchors, and key scorers all find themselves sidelined or uncertain, forcing the coaching staff to recalibrate on the fly. It’s an abrupt shift from the stability Chicago enjoyed just weeks ago.

As the Bulls try to regain traction, the question is less about talent and more about availability — and how long they can hold ground before the roster finally stabilizes.

1. Injury Report Raises Major Concerns

Chicago’s lengthy injury report is headlined by significant absences. Zach Collins remains out with a left scaphoid fracture, depriving the Bulls of a reliable frontcourt presence. Defensive specialist Isaac Okoro is doubtful due to lumbar radiculopathy, a setback that complicates the team’s perimeter matchups and overall defensive identity. Beyond those absences, the larger concern lies in the number of key rotation players listed as questionable. Kevin Huerter, Coby White, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic, and Dalen Terry all fall into that category, putting substantial pressure on Billy Donovan’s rotation decisions. Each represents not only talent, but continuity — something the Bulls have been struggling to maintain. The sheer volume of players carrying injuries raises questions about Chicago’s depth, fatigue management, and ability to handle competitive stretches without compromising stability. Even if some questionable players suit up, their effectiveness remains uncertain. For a team that has relied heavily on balanced scoring and defensive cohesion, this wave of injuries threatens the foundation of what made their early-season start so encouraging.

2. Donovan’s Rotation Under Strain

The injury surge has pushed Billy Donovan into a constant cycle of lineup experimentation. Roles have shifted rapidly, with reserves elevated into larger responsibilities while starters navigate fluctuating availability. What started as temporary adjustments has evolved into a new normal — one that has tested chemistry and on-court rhythm. Donovan’s frustration in recent postgame remarks reflects the strain. Without reliable rotations, the Bulls have struggled to maintain consistency from quarter to quarter, let alone from game to game. Offensive flow has been disrupted by unfamiliar combinations, and defensive assignments have become more challenging to manage. Players who were not projected to carry major offensive or playmaking duties now find themselves central to Chicago’s game plan. While some have stepped up effectively, the burden is beginning to show, particularly in late-game execution. The lack of continuity has made it difficult for the Bulls to build momentum, leading to uneven performances even when they manage to stay competitive.

3. Hornets Struggling, But Still a Threat

Friday’s opponent, the Charlotte Hornets, arrives in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. But for Chicago, a depleted roster cannot take any opponent lightly — especially one eager to snap a skid and facing a vulnerable Bulls squad. The Hornets have shown flashes of competitiveness despite their record, and the matchup presents an opportunity for them to exploit Chicago’s fragmented rotations. A road game against a short-handed team represents one of Charlotte’s best chances to reverse its fortunes. For the Bulls, the key lies in minimizing mistakes, managing minutes carefully, and finding reliable scoring sources despite the uncertainty surrounding several key players. Winning with a compromised roster requires discipline — something Chicago has struggled to sustain during its recent stretch. The matchup offers a critical test of Chicago’s resilience and its ability to manage adversity before it becomes a season-altering trend.