Friday night’s game between the Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors has a lot of excitement behind it. The Bulls are inducting their several iconic players and executives into the newly formed Ring of Honor. While Michael Jordan won’t be there, multiple franchise legends will be in the building. This creates a must-win environment for the team. Luckily for the Bulls, Golden State enters this game a bit banged up while Chicago’s injury report is pretty clean.
Golden State Warriors Injury Report
Earlier in the month, Chris Paul and Gary Payton II sustained injuries that had long recovery times. Paul underwent successful surgery on his left hand and would be evaluated in three weeks, well after the Warriors visit the Bulls.
Payton has a grade 2 strain in his left hamstring, putting his timeline in the same ballpark as Paul’s. Their absences will force an older Stephen Curry to carry a heavy offensive load for the Warriors.
Draymond Green and Moses Moody saw their statuses change on Thursday. Moody is sidelined with a calf injury and Green was ruled out for conditioning reasons. Green, who was suspended for unsportsmanlike antics on the court, can return to action after the conditioning stint. Moody’s absence amplifies the Warriors’ lack of guard depth.
Chicago Bulls Injury Report
On the Bulls front, things keep getting brighter. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic’s minutes restrictions were lifted before the Bulls’ 124-119 overtime victory on Wednesday.
Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played since January 14, 2022 against the same Warriors, and Torrey Craig are out. Craig is still dealing with an ankle sprain and has yet to start rehabilitation. The Bulls have missed his three-point shooting abilities but have weathered the storm.
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