Josh Giddey Downgraded As Pacers Go for Crazy Series Sweep Over Bulls

The Chicago Bulls could head into Wednesday night's game without their offensive engine.

Josh Giddey was not seen getting shots up after shootaround on Wednesday afternoon. The Bulls proceeded to downgrade him on the injury report shortly after, listing him as questionable with hamstring tightness.

Giddey has already dealt with hamstring issues this season, missing as many as 11 consecutive games to begin 2026. The jumbo guard would return for four games before seeing the issue flare back up. While he has now been able to suit up for 19 of the last 20 games, the fact that any tightness has returned should elicit a very cautious response from the Bulls.

Indeed, this is an organization with essentially nothing to play for over the next couple of weeks. They have officially been eliminated from postseason contention and might as well have lottery balls at the top of mind. Especially with Giddey already experiencing the injury multiple times this season, resting him until he is 100 percent should be the goal. If that means sitting him the rest of the way, so be it. Heck, this could open up even more developmental minutes for Rob Dillingham!

Mar 27, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) gestures to Chicago Bulls guard Rob Dillingham (7) during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Bulls also continue to list both Nick Richards and Guerschon Yabusele as questionable. The latter was at least able to suit up against the Spurs and offer some additional strength in the frontcourt, but he is clearly still dealing with his ankle ailment. As for Richards, we haven't seen him on the floor since the team's March 25 meeting with Philly. If he can't go tonight, this would be Richards' fourth consecutive missed game.

With Jalen Smith out, the Bulls are obviously strapped for options at the five. This could undoubtedly be a problem tonight against the lengthy Pascal Siakam and oversized Jay Huff, who sits second in the NBA in blocks behind only Victor Wembanyama.

Speaking of which, both bigs have played a fundamental role in picking up three wins over the Bulls this season. Siakam, in particular, has been a major problem for this Bulls defense due to his two-way versatility. It's hard to imagine tonight will look any different, but perhaps recently-acquired wing Leonard Miller can do a better job guarding him than past Bulls.

If the Pacers can pull off the banged-up win this evening, it will mean a series sweep over Chicago. That's right, four of their 18 wins would come against the Bulls! I wonder if ownership has that on a long list of talking points for Arturas Karnisovas come April 13?

Chicago Bulls Injury Report

Josh Giddey – QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)
Nick Richards – QUESTIONABLE (elbow)
Guerschon Yabusele – QUESTIONABLE (ankle)
Anfernee Simons – OUT (wrist)
Jalen Smith – OUT FOR SEASON (calf)
Zach Collins – OUT FOR SEASON (wrist)

Indiana Pacers Injury Report

Pascal Siakam – PROBABLE (knee)
Obi Toppin – PROBABLE (foot)
Jarace Walker – OUT (back)
Andrew Nembhard – OUT (back)
Aaron Nesmith – OUT (neck)
TJ McConnell – OUT (hamstring)
Ivica Zubac – OUT FOR SEASON (rib)
Johnny Furphy – OUT FOR SEASON (ACL)
Tyrese Haliburton – OUT FOR SEASON (Achilles)

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