Bulls’ Horton-Tucker Questionable for Sunday Amid Knee Injury

CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago Bulls guard Talen Horton-Tucker is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to a knee injury, casting uncertainty over his availability as the team fights for a playoff spot.

Horton-Tucker suffered the injury during Wednesday’s 16-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks, exiting the game in the fourth quarter after playing just three minutes. The Bulls ruled him out for the remainder of the contest, and his status for Sunday remains unclear. This marks the second consecutive game he could miss due to the same issue.

The 24-year-old guard, in his first season with the Bulls, has averaged 6.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 12.3 minutes per game. Despite limited playing time, Horton-Tucker has been efficient, shooting 48.1% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range. His defensive presence and growing offensive skills have made him a valuable bench piece for Chicago.

The Bulls, currently 18-23 and 10th in the Eastern Conference, are struggling to stay in playoff contention. Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, who were missing their three leading scorers and two key forwards, highlighted the team’s inconsistency. “Losses like these hurt throughout the season,” said a team spokesperson. “We need everyone healthy and contributing if we want to make a push.”

Horton-Tucker’s potential absence would not drastically alter the Bulls’ rotation, but his contributions off the bench have been crucial in tight games. The team’s next matchup is against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, where his status will likely remain uncertain.

Before joining the Bulls, Horton-Tucker spent time with the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz, where he showcased his defensive versatility and offensive potential. In Chicago, he has yet to secure a consistent role but remains a key part of the team’s depth chart.

The Bulls’ core players, including Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White, have stayed relatively healthy this season, but the team’s supporting cast must step up to keep playoff hopes alive. Horton-Tucker’s recovery will be closely monitored as the Bulls aim to turn their season around.