Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks: preview and player stats (Dec 29, 2026)

Injury/Illness - Left Finger Sprain (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Smith (finger) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Minnesota. Smith is in jeopardy of missing Saturday's contest after aggravating his sprained left finger in Friday's overtime win over Atlanta. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) also questionable, the Bulls could be shorthanded in the frontcourt. If either of those guys is ruled out, Zach Collins would likely see increased burn.

Injury/Illness - Low Back Injury Management (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Powell (back) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Minnesota. After erupting for 33 points in 31 minutes during Friday's overtime win over the Hawks, Powell is in danger of missing the second leg of this back-to-back set due to lower-back injury management. If the veteran guard is ruled out, Buddy Hield and Tre Jones could see increased burn.

Injury/Illness - Right Metacarpal Fracture (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Wilson (hand) is expected to miss four to six weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The rookie forward went down during Wednesday's loss to the Spurs, and he now needs surgery to repair a fractured right hand. More pressure will likely fall on Josh Giddey going forward, while the likes of Tre Jones and Isaac Okoro will have a chance for added streaming value.

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Injury Management (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Claxton (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves. Claxton has averaged 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 blocks in 18.7 minutes across three games since making his season debut Sunday, but the Bulls may hold him out of Saturday's contest as he continues to manage the hamstring injury that forced him to miss Chicago's first eight games. Zach Collins could work in an expanded role if Claxton doesn't play.

Injury/Illness - Disc Irritation (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Awaka has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Timberwolves. Now set to miss a third straight game due to a back injury, Awaka will aim to return during Chicago's next game against Cleveland on Monday.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN).

G League - On Assignment (2026-11-14, CHI@MIN).

Gueye (foot) is ready to begin on-court activities and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. The team stated in July that the big man would remain sidelined for the next 3-to-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left foot, and he's continuing to make progress in his rehab. A timetable for Gueye's 2026-27 debut has yet to be established, thought a date could come into focus following his next evaluation in mid-December.

Flemings (back tightness) will not return to Friday's game against the Bulls. Flemings carried a questionable tag into this game, and it appears as though he irritated his injury again. He ended up finishing scoreless with one rebound and one assist in 17 minutes. Consider him questionable for Sunday against the Bucks.

Newell (toe) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Chicago. Newell will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks provide an update on his progress.

Gilbert (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bulls. Gilbert continues to deal with lingering knee inflammation and is without a timetable to return. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks offer an update on his progress.

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.