Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said that guard Josh Giddey is progressing well and is a possibility to return to the lineup on Thursday when the team faces the Minnesota Timberwolves. Giddey has missed the past 11 games due to an undisclosed ailment, and his potential return would offer a boost to the Bulls’ backcourt rotation.
Speaking to reporters, Donovan noted that Giddey has been feeling “pretty good” as he works his way back to full health, though he stopped short of confirming Giddey’s status for Thursday’s matchup. The 21-year-old guard has been participating in team activities as part of his rehabilitation and is being evaluated daily.
Giddey, acquired by the Bulls in a trade during the most recent offseason, has been a key component of Chicago’s young core. Prior to his absence, he had appeared in 34 games this season, averaging 12.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. His playmaking ability and rebounding from the guard position have made him a valuable contributor, both offensively and defensively.
Chicago has gone 5-6 during Giddey’s absence and has relied on a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent to maintain stability in the rotation. Guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu have taken on extended roles, with White posting career-high scoring averages and Dosunmu contributing as a versatile perimeter defender.
The Bulls are currently in the mix for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference and are looking to build momentum during the second half of the season. The return of Giddey would add depth and versatility to the roster as they aim to remain competitive in a tightly contested conference.
More information on Giddey’s official status is expected following team practices earlier in the week. For now, the Bulls remain cautiously optimistic about his return to active competition.