The Chicago Bulls entered Sunday’s matchup against the New York Knicks desperate for a breakthrough, carrying the weight of an eight-game losing streak and hoping to finally rediscover momentum during what has become one of their most challenging stretches of the season.
However, the team received another setback when guard Anfernee Simons was officially ruled out due to a left-wrist injury that he sustained the night before during Chicago’s 126-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons, a blow that significantly altered their rotation heading into the contest.
Simons exited Saturday’s game in the third quarter after appearing visibly uncomfortable, and although the initial diagnosis labeled the issue as a sprain, the Bulls insisted on taking a cautious approach given the uncertainty surrounding the full extent of the injury.
Before Sunday’s game, head coach Billy Donovan provided clarity on Simons’ situation, explaining that the guard will undergo imaging on Monday to determine the severity of the injury and to establish a more precise timeline for potential recovery.
Donovan also shared that Simons will meet with a group of medical professionals, including a hand specialist, as the team aims to gather comprehensive information to guide their next steps and ensure that they avoid any long-term complications.
“Just want to find out what’s going on,” Donovan said before tipoff. “Maybe it’s just a sprain, that’s it, or maybe it’s more. He’s going to see a hand specialist,” reflecting both concern and optimism as the Bulls await definitive answers.
Simons, who joined Chicago earlier this month in the trade that sent veteran center Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics, had quickly become an integral part of the Bulls’ rotation, bringing creativity, scoring, and pace to a backcourt in need of playmaking support.
In his six appearances with Chicago so far, Simons has averaged 15.2 points per game, offering steady offensive production and showcasing the versatility and shot-creation skills that made him a coveted target at the trade deadline.
Before arriving in Chicago, Simons averaged 14.2 points across 49 games with the Boston Celtics, playing a meaningful role as a rotation scorer while adapting to one of the league’s deepest and most balanced rosters.
The injury could not have come at a worse moment for the Bulls, who remain winless in February and continue to battle through inconsistency, limited depth, and late-game execution issues that have plagued them heavily in recent weeks.
Simons played only 13 minutes on Saturday against Detroit, contributing four points before being pulled after his wrist issue began to hinder his ability to handle the ball, shoot comfortably, and absorb contact during drives to the rim.
His absence on Sunday left Chicago shorthanded in the guard rotation, placing added pressure on players like Isaac Okoro, Ayo Dosunmu, and Patrick Williams to fill the offensive void left behind by Simons’ absence.
One of Simons’ brightest moments with Chicago came on February 9 against the Brooklyn Nets, when he delivered his most impressive performance as a Bull, scoring 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting while also dishing out seven assists in a dynamic offensive showcase.
That effort demonstrated the kind of scoring punch and facilitator balance Chicago envisioned when they acquired him, as Simons confidently attacked switches, manipulated defensive rotations, and generated high-quality shots for both himself and his teammates.
His blend of shot-making and playmaking was particularly valuable to a Bulls team that has struggled to maintain consistent offensive structure, especially during periods where the team lacked reliable scoring options outside of Buzelis, Okoro, and Williams.
Chicago’s current 24-33 record places them well below preseason expectations, and their extended losing streak has further complicated their playoff hopes as they continue slipping in a tightened Eastern Conference landscape.
The Bulls have not secured a single win in February, a month that has exposed the fragile margins of a roster undergoing transition while also facing mounting injury concerns that disrupt continuity and weaken rotation balance.
Tuesday’s home game against the Charlotte Hornets will provide the Bulls with another chance to break their painful slide, but their ability to do so may depend heavily on how quickly they can regain scoring rhythm and defensive cohesion without Simons.
Chicago will then close out the month on Thursday with a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons’ former team, adding emotional intrigue should the guard recover swiftly enough to participate — though that remains unlikely until the team receives results from Monday’s imaging.
The Bulls’ medical staff has navigated a demanding season filled with injuries across multiple positions, making Simons’ situation a top priority as they face the reality of keeping a key scorer sidelined during a crucial stretch of the schedule.
Wrist injuries are particularly concerning for scoring guards, as pain can directly impact shooting touch, ball control, finishing ability, and overall offensive aggression, making a detailed diagnosis essential for preventing long-term setbacks.
Given Simons’ importance to Chicago’s evolving backcourt, the Bulls will be deliberate in determining next steps, even if it means enduring short-term roster challenges while prioritizing his long-term health and effectiveness.
Fans have quickly embraced Simons’ arrival due to his offensive versatility, and the timing of the injury is another frustrating development for a franchise seeking stability and growth during a difficult stretch of the season.
Beyond on-court production, Simons’ adaptability, confidence, and engagement have made him a strong cultural fit in Chicago’s locker room, further emphasizing the importance of ensuring a full and thorough recovery before returning to action.
For Donovan, the challenge ahead will involve rebalancing rotations, redistributing offensive responsibilities, and attempting to maintain competitive spirit while navigating uncertainty surrounding one of the team’s top offensive weapons.
As Chicago awaits updates on Simons’ wrist, the team will lean heavily on developing contributors such as Buzelis, Okoro, Smith, and Yabusele, encouraging them to take on expanded roles in both scoring and playmaking duties during this period of instability.
Donovan emphasized that the team will continue prioritizing communication, discipline, and collective resilience as they attempt to reverse their losing streak and regain confidence in their ability to execute consistently.
For the Bulls, the coming week will serve as both a test of their adaptability and an opportunity to regroup before the season reaches its decisive stages, particularly if they hope to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference standings.
The uncertainty surrounding Simons’ injury adds another layer of difficulty, but Chicago remains committed to staying patient, gathering full medical insight, and avoiding rushing him back into action prematurely.
When the Bulls take the floor Tuesday night against Charlotte, they will do so still searching for answers, still looking for rhythm, and still hoping to regain the spark that showed glimpses earlier during Simons’ short but promising tenure.
Until then, the organization waits for clarity, hoping Monday’s evaluation provides direction — and perhaps optimism — for a season that desperately needs a turning point.
