Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls: preview and player stats

Gueye underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a fractured left foot that he suffered during a workout last week, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. Gueye will be re-evaluated by medical staff in 3-to-4 months, which means he'll miss all of training camp and preseason and likely the start of the 2026-27 regular season. It's a brutal blow for the fourth-year big man, given that the Hawks used the No. 23 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft to select St. John's product Zuby Ejiofor. Gueye's absence means Ejiofor will have more opportunities in the preseason, and the rookie could establish a key role off the bench behind Onyeka Okongwu and projected backup center Jock Landale (ankle).

Newell (toe) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers. Newell will miss a third consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. The second-year forward's absence will leave additional playing time for Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins.

Gilbert (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers. Gilbert will miss a third straight game due to left knee inflammation. However, his absence shouldn't affect the rotation.

Veesaar was diagnosed with a torn right ACL and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season, the Hawks announced Monday. Veesaar suffered the injury during a workout on Sept. 15, and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Veesaar was expected to spend a lot of time with Atlanta's G League affiliate this season. Reported out for season.

Powell (shoulder) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Spurs,Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports. Powell will miss his second consecutive contest due to a shoulder injury. Head coach Tiago Spltter stated that the 33-year-old veteran is "probably at 70 percent," so there's a chance he won't play Friday against Atlanta. In the meantime, Isaac Okoro is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with significant usage bumps going to Josh Giddey and Caleb Wilson (hip), assuming the latter is cleared to play.

Wilson won't return to Wednesday's game against the Spurs due to a right hand injury. He'll finish with 15 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds and one steal in 15 minutes. Wilson turned in an efficient performance en route to 15 points before exiting Wednesday's contest early in the third quarter. The rookie forward's status will be worth monitoring ahead of Friday's game against Atlanta. If he's forced to miss time, Leonard Miller, Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue would be candidates for increased minutes.

Awaka (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs. Awaka will be held out of Wednesday's contest due to lower-back tightness. However, his absence shouldn't cause any significant waves in the rotation.

Swain (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs. Swain will spend another game on the inactive list, and his next chance to play will come Friday against the Hawks. Swain is not a regular part of the Bulls' rotation.