Josh Giddey has been sidelined for the Bulls‘ last seven games with a left hamstring strain and will miss Wednesday’s matchup against the Jazz as well. However, there’s optimism that he won’t be held out much longer.
Head coach Billy Donovan said on Wednesday that Giddey has been making good progress in his rehab and is starting to ramp up his activity, according to CHSN’s K.C. Johnson (via Twitter).
“This is a big week for him,” Donovan said.
This season has been the best of Giddey’s career, with the 6’8″ guard posting career highs in points (19.2), rebounds (8.9), assists (9.0), three-point percentage (38.6%), and three-point volume (4.8 attempts per game).
The Bulls hold an 18-21 record heading into their contest with Utah. They are 3-6 without Giddey and 15-15 with him on the court.
Donovan also gave an update on backup big man Zach Collins, who has been out since December 27 with a big toe sprain. According to Johnson, Donovan expects Collins to be in a walking boot for several more weeks.
“I don’t think he’ll be available before the All-Star break,” Donovan said (Twitter link).
Collins has only suited up for 10 Bulls games this season after a fractured wrist suffered during preseason caused him to miss the team’s first 22 games. In the games he has played, he has averaged 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game while hitting 42.9% of his threes.