The Chicago Bulls are confronting a challenging stretch amid a nine-game losing streak, compounded by injuries affecting key players like Anfernee Simons. Although the team initially reported a wrist sprain, an update from Tuesday clarified that Simons has a left wrist contusion, and he will miss the upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets, according to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network.
Injury Timeline and Current Player Statuses
Simons sustained this injury during Saturday’s match against the Detroit Pistons, where he contributed four points in 14 minutes on the court. In addition, Jalen Smith is listed as questionable due to a left calf strain, which forced him out of the third quarter in Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks. The Bulls also continue to manage the absences of Jaden Ivey, sidelined with right knee soreness, and Zach Collins, who is done for the season following toe surgery.
Impact on Team and Upcoming Schedule
Since joining the Bulls in the trade that sent Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics, Simons has averaged 15.2 points and 2.8 rebounds over six games. Before the trade, he played 49 games with Boston, averaging 14.2 points per game. The Bulls, currently 24-34 and still searching for their first win this month, face a crucial stretch with upcoming home games against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday and the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. These injuries leave Chicago’s roster depleted at a critical point in the season’s second half.
“Though Simons will not be playing, he has a left wrist contusion, rather than a sprain.” ?K.C. Johnson, Reporter, The Chicago Sports Network
Bulls list Anfernee Simons out again but call it left wrist contusion instead of sprain. Jalen Smith questionable with what’s listed as left calf strain
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 23, 2026
