Bulls Rookie Caleb Wilson Questionable Ahead of Spurs Showdown

The Chicago Bulls could be without their top two scorers when they face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.

Rookie forward Caleb Wilson was a surprise addition to Wednesday's injury report amid what has been a strong start to his first professional season. Wilson was listed as 'questionable' with right hip soreness.

Veteran shooting guard Norman Powell remained 'questionable' on Wednesday's injury report after participating in half of Tuesday's practice. Powell missed Sunday's 127-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers due to back spasms in what was his first inactive game of the 2026-27 season.

Forward Zach Collins, who also did not play Sunday, was listed as 'questionable' with an illness. Both two-way rookies, Tobe Awaka (lower back tightness) and Jaylin Sellers (G League), were ruled out of the contest against the Spurs.

Wilson has been exceptional so far since the Bulls drafted him No. 4 overall this summer. The North Carolina product has played a team-high 32.4 minutes per game and is averaging 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Wilson has struggled with efficiency — shooting just 40.6% overall and 30.4% on three-pointers — but the 20-year-old appears to have all the makings of Chicago's next franchise star.

If Wilson is not healthy enough to face San Antonio, it would be a massive absence for Chicago. The 6-foot-10 rookie would likely be a key part of the Bulls' plan to slow Wembanyama with a double-team while centers Nic Claxton, Jalen Smith and Collins attempt to be physical in the paint. Wilson possesses the unique blend of size and athleticism that could be best suited to face off against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Powell's potential absence also looms large. The 33-year-old is one of Chicago's few perimeter threats and has been a 39.4% three-point shooter throughout his 12-year career. Although Powell has struggled this season — making just 30.9% of his attempts from beyond the arc — he is still tied for the team lead with 19.3 points per game because of his ability to get to the free-throw line.

Head coach Tiago Splitter said on Tuesday that the team needs to make its three-pointers in order to pull Wembanyama out of the paint and take down the Spurs. That could be a tough task, though. Through nine games, the Bulls' 27.2% efficiency on three-point attempts ranks last in the NBA.