Bulls Guard Coby White to Miss Start of Season with Calf Injury

CHICAGO — Chicago Bulls guard Coby White will miss the start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a strained right calf. White suffered the injury during the offseason and was initially expected to be ready for the season opener against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

Bulls Coach Billy Donovan confirmed on Monday that White experienced tightness in his calf after Saturday’s practice. The team announced that White will be reevaluated in two weeks, indicating he is likely to miss at least six games, including matchups against the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and two games against the New York Knicks.

Last season, White averaged a career-high 20.4 points per game, making his absence particularly challenging for a team that finished 39-43 overall and ninth in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls look to improve upon last year’s performance as they open the season at home.

The Pistons, who finished 44-38 last season, earned the upper hand in their recent matchups with the Bulls, winning three out of four games. They are hoping to extend their recent success against Chicago.

White was selected seventh overall by the Bulls in the 2019 NBA Draft out of North Carolina. Throughout his career, he has faced the Pistons 21 times, averaging 11.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists against them.

With White sidelined, the Bulls will have to rely on other players to step up. They aim to start the season strong despite the setback and will look for ways to fill the gap left by White’s absence.