Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets: preview and player stats

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.

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-08): Knueppel (hamstring) was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain Sunday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Knueppel missed the first eight games of the 2026-27 campaign. He returned for the 114-104 loss to Brooklyn on Wednesday, though he exited the contest after just six minutes of work and didn't return. With Knueppel out of commission for at least a month, Grayson Allen and Sion James are candidates to replace him in the starting lineup, especially with Dennis Schroder (hamstring) sidelined for a minimum of two weeks.

Injury/Illness - Right Quadriceps Tendinopathy (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Diabate (quadriceps) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Suns. Diabate is expected to return from a two-game absence Thursday, which would leave fewer minutes available for Ryan Kalkbrenner. Through nine regular-season games, Diabate has averaged 8.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.9 blocks in 28.8 minutes per tilt.

Injury/Illness - Right Hip Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Miller (groin) is listed as out for Thursday's game against Phoenix. Miller injured his groin during the 119-80 loss to Boston on Friday and subsequently missed Monday's meeting with Cleveland. Now that Miller is confirmed to be sidelined for a second consecutive contest, Sion James is the favorite to remain in the starting lineup.

Injury/Illness - Right Hamstring Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Williams (hamstring) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Suns. Williams is trending toward making his season debut Thursday after battling a right hamstring strain. However, the veteran forward isn't guaranteed to see meaningful playing time once he returns.

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX). Prior reporting (2026-11-08): Schroder has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in two weeks, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports. Schroder, who missed Friday's game due to what was described as a left thigh injury, has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain. He is set to be reevaluated in two weeks, suggesting he will miss at least the next five games. Christian Anderson and Sion James could see extra minutes with Schroder sidelined.

G League - On Assignment (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-12, CHA@PHX).