The rising start becomes vital as the Chicago Bulls battle injuries and the Pistons.
The Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis was listed as "questionable" for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons due to an illness, according to the latest NBA injury report.
Buzelis led the Bulls with 26 points in Monday's 115-101 loss to the Boston Celtics. Playing without Josh Giddey, the sophomore shouldered major offensive responsibility, converting nine of 12 field goal attempts, including three of four from three-point range.
Buzelis is experiencing a surging season in his second year with his hometown team, averaging 14.7 points and 5.3 rebounds with an increased 20.5% usage rate. Over the last four games, he's elevated his production to 20.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists with a +4.6 net rating, per NBA Advanced Stats.
Whether Buzelis plays on Wednesday or not, his potential absence would further deteriorate the Bulls' injury crisis. All-Star contender Josh Giddey remains sidelined with a hamstring strain, and backup big man Zach Collins is out with a toe sprain. If Buzelis sits against the Pistons, Chicago will play with an even more depleted roster.
Coby White returned to action Monday after missing the previous games with a calf strain, but didn't appear at full strength after scoring only five points with six rebounds. He was also listed as "questionable" for Wednesday's game at Detroit.
The Bulls have managed a 2-2 record without Giddey, relying heavily on depth and balanced scoring. But losing Buzelis, possibly, who has become a primary offensive weapon during the injury stretch, would test Chicago's resilience even further as they look to maintain momentum before the trade deadline.