The Bulls' big man nears return after wrist surgery, potentially bolstering depleted frontcourt against Magic.
The Chicago Bulls received encouraging news on Monday as reserve center Zach Collins was upgraded from out to doubtful for their road game against the Orlando Magic, according to the latest NBA injury report.
Collins has been sidelined since suffering a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist during the preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves in mid-October, undergoing surgery and missing since the tip-off.
The 26-year-old big man was one of Chicago's most consistent performers during the preseason, averaging 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 17.5 minutes while shooting an impressive 50% from three-point range. His absence has been felt throughout the Bulls' rollercoaster start — a 6-0 opening followed by struggles that have seen them drop to 9-10.
Collins' potential return comes at a crucial time with the Bulls' frontcourt thinned by injuries. Isaac Okoro remains out with left lumbar radiculopathy, and Jalen Smith is sidelined with a left hamstring strain. The absences have forced Chicago to rely heavily on Nikola Vucevic down the paint.
"Zach is a tremendous player. He's one of our pillars of physicality for the team," Smith said when Collins first went down, acknowledging the void his absence created.
Additional injury concerns loom for Monday's game. Coby White, who didn't play last Saturday, has been downgraded to doubtful for Monday while dealing with calf tightness and congestion. Dalen Terry is doubtful with a left calf strain, and Julian Phillips is questionable with an illness. Isaac Okoro (left lumbar), Jalen Smith (left hamstring) and Noa Essengue (left shoulder) will be out of the Monday matchup.
The depleted roster could challenge the Bulls' depth against a 12-8 Magic, who sidelines Paolo Banchero (left groin) and Moritz Wagner (left knee).
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