Bulls' Josh Giddey sprains ankle but offers optimism for return

Giddey ties Derrick Rose for 5th on the double-double list for Chicago guards with 51

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey suffered a sprained ankle during the team's 116-108 loss to the OKC Thunder, but he returned to the game and offered hope that the injury is not too serious. Giddey finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists, tying Derrick Rose for 5th on the double-double list for Chicago guards with 51. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan confirmed that both Giddey and teammate Matas Buzelis suffered ankle sprains and will be evaluated on Wednesday.

Why it matters

Giddey has been a key contributor for the struggling Bulls this season, averaging 17.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game. Any extended absence due to injury would be a significant blow to the team as they try to turn around their season and make a playoff push.

The details

In the third quarter, Giddey rolled his ankle and had to be taken out of the game. However, he was able to return and finish the game, recording a double-double. Teammate Matas Buzelis also suffered an ankle sprain and had to be taken to the locker room. Both players will be evaluated on Wednesday to determine the severity of their injuries.

  • In the third quarter, Giddey rolled his ankle and had to be taken out of the game.
  • Giddey returned to the game and finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 assists.
  • Matas Buzelis also suffered an ankle sprain and had to be taken to the locker room.
  • Both Giddey and Buzelis will be evaluated on Wednesday to determine the severity of their injuries.

The players

Josh Giddey

A guard for the Chicago Bulls who suffered a sprained ankle during the team's loss to the OKC Thunder. Giddey finished the game with a double-double and tied Derrick Rose for 5th on the double-double list for Chicago guards with 51.

Matas Buzelis

A player for the Chicago Bulls who also suffered an ankle sprain during the team's loss to the OKC Thunder and had to be taken to the locker room.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who confirmed that both Giddey and Buzelis suffered ankle sprains and will be evaluated on Wednesday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It doesn't feel too bad,”

— Josh Giddey (The Chicago Sports Network)

What’s next

Both Giddey and Buzelis will be evaluated on Wednesday to determine the severity of their ankle sprains and their availability for the Bulls' upcoming games.

The takeaway

Giddey's optimistic assessment of his ankle injury provides hope that the Bulls may not have to deal with an extended absence of one of their key players as they try to turn around their struggling season. However, the team will need to wait for the results of the medical evaluations to know the full extent of the injuries to Giddey and Buzelis.