Bulls Face Regular Season Opener Without Key Guard Coby White
The Chicago Bulls are preparing for their regular season opener without key guard Coby White, who has suffered a strained calf. Initially, White had been cleared for full-contact practice last weekend, but he will now miss the start of the season as he is reevaluated in two weeks.
Coby White’s Injury Update
Head coach Billy Donovan emphasized that this is not a setback. After participating in most of a practice session, White experienced tightness in his calf. As a result, he will miss at least the first several games of the season, including matchups against the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and two games against the New York Knicks.
Potential Missed Games
- Pistons
- Magic
- Hawks
- Kings
- Knicks (two games)
- 76ers
- Bucks
- Cavaliers
White’s absence is particularly concerning as he was a vital contributor last season. He averaged 24.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in the final 26 games. Guard Josh Giddey expressed disappointment, acknowledging that White plays a crucial role in the team’s dynamics.
Team Outlook
The Bulls are also dealing with the absence of reserve center Zach Collins, who is sidelined for at least a month due to wrist surgery. This dual setback poses a significant challenge as the regular season begins.
Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu are expected to step into larger roles in White’s absence, with head coach Donovan noting that player roles may vary from game to game.
Impact on Team Goals
The Bulls were aiming to build momentum from a strong finish last season. Losing key players like White and Collins complicates those plans significantly. Both players are recognized for their hard work and contribution to the team’s success.
As the season unfolds, maintaining depth will be critical for the Bulls. The team must adapt quickly to these unforeseen challenges to ensure a competitive start to the season.
