The Chicago Bulls' Western swing has gotten off to a disastrous start, sitting on a four-game losing streak as their offense sputters and their defense falters. But with some key players set to return from injury, the team is poised for a turnaround.
Guards Kevin Huerter and Josh Giddey are expected to rejoin the lineup soon after both suffered injuries earlier in the season. Huerter's arrival last offseason was met with promise, but he struggled to find his footing alongside new teammates Tre Jones and Zach Collins. However, not all players on the team have been immune from struggles.
In their most recent loss, the Bulls succumbed to the Pistons, a team without four regular starters, due to an inability to muster a winning effort. Coach Billy Donovan has emphasized the importance of maintaining a fast-paced, physical game that wears down opponents.
"We've got to come into games with the right mindset," Huerter said in reference to their current slump. "Our identity is playing fast, playing physical [and] wearing teams out." This approach will be bolstered by the return of Giddey and White, who both averaged 20+ points per game before suffering injuries.
Giddey's expected return could provide a significant boost to the team's offense, having averaged 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists in his first nine games this season. Meanwhile, White is poised for a season debut at some point on the trip, after being held out due to a calf injury.
The Bulls will also get a boost from the return of reserve center Zach Collins, who underwent a CT scan that came back clean. While Collins' road to recovery may take time, his eventual return will give Coach Donovan more options in terms of lineup construction.
With key players returning and a healthy dose of veteran presence, the Bulls are poised to put an end to their four-game losing streak. As Huerter noted, it's not an excuse for past performances, but rather an opportunity for the team to refocus and channel their energy into more positive results.
Guards Kevin Huerter and Josh Giddey are expected to rejoin the lineup soon after both suffered injuries earlier in the season. Huerter's arrival last offseason was met with promise, but he struggled to find his footing alongside new teammates Tre Jones and Zach Collins. However, not all players on the team have been immune from struggles.
In their most recent loss, the Bulls succumbed to the Pistons, a team without four regular starters, due to an inability to muster a winning effort. Coach Billy Donovan has emphasized the importance of maintaining a fast-paced, physical game that wears down opponents.
"We've got to come into games with the right mindset," Huerter said in reference to their current slump. "Our identity is playing fast, playing physical [and] wearing teams out." This approach will be bolstered by the return of Giddey and White, who both averaged 20+ points per game before suffering injuries.
Giddey's expected return could provide a significant boost to the team's offense, having averaged 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists in his first nine games this season. Meanwhile, White is poised for a season debut at some point on the trip, after being held out due to a calf injury.
The Bulls will also get a boost from the return of reserve center Zach Collins, who underwent a CT scan that came back clean. While Collins' road to recovery may take time, his eventual return will give Coach Donovan more options in terms of lineup construction.
With key players returning and a healthy dose of veteran presence, the Bulls are poised to put an end to their four-game losing streak. As Huerter noted, it's not an excuse for past performances, but rather an opportunity for the team to refocus and channel their energy into more positive results.