The Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets face off Monday, February 9, at 6:30 PM CT at Barclays Center, with both teams entering the game with notable injury concerns. The Bulls have struggled in recent weeks, losing four of their last five games.
Chicago will be without Zach Collins (right toe sprain) and Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery). Josh Giddey and Tre Jones are listed as doubtful with left hamstring strains, while Jalen Smith is questionable due to a right calf strain. Two-way players Yuki Kawamura and Mac McClung are unavailable.
Brooklyn also has key players sidelined. Michael Porter Jr. is out with right knee tendinitis. Egor Demin is resting, and Tyson Etienne, Chaney Johnson, and E.J. Liddell are assigned to the G League on two-way contracts.
The Bulls’ recent trades have reshaped their lineup, bringing in Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Guerschon Yabusele, and Nick Richards. Chicago remains 24-29, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference. Giddey and Simons are expected to carry much of the offensive load if healthy.
Brooklyn, 13th in the East with a 14-37 record, relies heavily on Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Terance Mann. Claxton leads the team with 7.2 rebounds per game, while Porter Jr. had been averaging 25.0 points before his injury sidelined him.
In their last two meetings this season, the Nets won both road games against the Bulls (113-103 on December 3, 2025, and 112-109 on January 16, 2026). Chicago claimed a 124-102 win in their most recent home matchup on January 18, 2026. Injuries could influence the outcome, particularly in the frontcourt, where Nikola Vucevic’s departure and Collins’ absence leave gaps.
