The Chicago Bulls head into Wednesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs with fresh uncertainty surrounding rookie forward Caleb Wilson, who is listed as questionable because of right hip soreness and tightness.
Wilson was absent from the NBA’s 1 p.m. ET injury report but appeared on the updated version issued 15 minutes later. The late change has added another complication for a Chicago team already dealing with a lengthy losing streak.
The Bulls enter the matchup at 1-8 and have lost seven straight games. San Antonio has won nine consecutive contests and holds a 9-2 record, ranking among the early leaders in the Western Conference.
Wilson has been one of the few consistent bright spots for Chicago during the difficult start. In nine games, the No. 4 overall pick from North Carolina is averaging a team-leading 19.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
He recorded a career-high 30 points and 14 rebounds against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 24. Wilson also finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and four steals in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 2.
His recent output has varied. Wilson managed only five points on 2-of-12 shooting during Chicago’s 135-105 defeat to the New York Knicks on Nov. 4.
He responded with 18 points, five rebounds and two steals in Sunday’s 127-121 loss to Philadelphia. Wilson shot 7-of-18 from the field in that game, including 2-of-6 from three-point range.
Wilson’s availability is especially important against a Spurs squad led by Victor Wembanyama. The French center has been dominant early in the season and presents a major defensive challenge.
Wembanyama put up 40 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocks in Monday’s 122-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns. He achieved those numbers in just 25 minutes of playing time.
Chicago’s injury concerns are not limited to Wilson. Rookie forward Tobe Awaka was downgraded from questionable to out with lower back tightness between the 1 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. reports.
Guard Norman Powell is questionable with lower back spasms, while center Zach Collins is questionable due to a respiratory illness. Both players sat out Sunday’s game against the 76ers.
An absence by Powell would place additional pressure on Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Giddey finished with 19 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds against Philadelphia, and Buzelis scored 19 points in the same contest.
Center Nic Claxton is available after making his Bulls debut Sunday following a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the first eight games. He recorded four points and four rebounds in that appearance.
San Antonio also has players listed on the injury report. Guard Devin Vassell is questionable with left adductor tightness, and forward Tobias Harris has been ruled out with a left calf strain.
The Bulls are looking for their second win of the season to stop the current skid. It remains unclear whether Wilson will be able to help them pursue that result against one of the league’s top defenses.
The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the United Center in Chicago.
