Blazers struggle deepens ahead of Bulls matchup amid injury woes and ejections
The Portland Trail Blazers began their season with promise, boasting a 5-3 record. However, the past two weeks have seen a significant downturn, with the team managing only one win against five losses over their last six games. As they prepare for the Chicago Bulls’ visit to the Moda Center at 7 p.m. PT, the Blazers are desperately seeking to regain their footing.
Bulls poised for victory
The Bulls, coming off a strong road victory against the Denver Nuggets, enter this matchup as 2.5-point favorites. Their recent form has elevated their confidence, but they too are facing their own challenges as they prepare for the game.
Injury report reveals key absences
In a twist of fate, the Bulls are likely to be without five players for the upcoming contest. Notably, forward Zach Collins remains sidelined as he continues to recover from wrist surgery, which has kept him from practicing and yet to making his season debut since being a 2017 lottery pick.
Adding to their woes, guard Tre Jones has been out since Sunday due to a left ankle injury. He was listed as questionable for the Bulls’ matchup against the Nuggets but ultimately could not take the court. In his 11 starts this season, Jones has averaged a respectable 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, making his absence felt.
The Bulls will also miss three players who have been signed to two-way contracts, all of whom remain without a season appearance. Second-year forward Trentyn Flowers, rookie center Lachlan Olbrich, and second-year forward Emanuel Miller are all listed as out, further depleting Chicago’s roster.
Blazers face their own lineup challenges
On the Trail Blazers’ side, the situation is equally precarious. Guard Jerami Grant was ruled out late Tuesday due to an illness, marking the first game he will miss this season. His absence adds another layer of difficulty for a team already struggling to find its rhythm.
As the Blazers prepare to face the Bulls, the stakes are high. Both teams are navigating their injury challenges, but the pressure is on Portland to halt their recent slide and avoid further damage to their season hopes. With the odds stacked against them, the Blazers will need to dig deep if they hope to turn the tide.
