As the Chicago Bulls navigate the NBA preseason, their roster is looking more like a hospital ward than a basketball team. Coming off a mixed bag of results—two wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers and a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks—the Bulls now face a daunting challenge against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. With key players sidelined, head coach Billy Donovan is left scrambling to cobble together what can only be described as a “zombie lineup” to take on Nikola Jokić and the formidable Nuggets.
A Roster Ravaged by Injuries
The Bulls’ offseason was marked by continuity, with minimal changes to a squad that showed promise after a strong post-All-Star break performance last season. However, injuries are threatening to derail their momentum before the regular season even begins. Sharpshooting guard Kevin Huerter, acquired from Sacramento last season, is trending toward a return but will miss the Denver game, with hopes of suiting up for the final preseason tilt against Minnesota on Thursday. Forward Julian Phillips is also sidelined with knee soreness, ruling him out for Tuesday. Most concerning, guard Coby White is unlikely to play at all during the preseason, leaving a significant void in the backcourt.
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Point guard Tre Jones, who has been nursing an injury, is listed as a potential returnee for the Nuggets matchup, per NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson. However, his status remains uncertain, and Donovan may have to lean heavily on unproven talent and bench players to fill the gaps.
Rising Stars Seize the Moment
With adversity comes opportunity, and young forward Matas Buzelis is making the most of it. The 21-year-old, now in his second season, has been a bright spot for Chicago in the preseason. In his debut, Buzelis led the team with 19 points and eight rebounds, showcasing the potential that has fans buzzing with excitement. He’s continued his double-digit scoring streak over the past two games, proving he’s ready for a bigger role.
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Similarly, Ayo Dosunmu has stepped up as a reliable scoring option. The fourth-year guard led the Bulls with 16 points in their second game against Cleveland and dropped 22 points against Milwaukee. Dosunmu’s steady progression and ability to take charge offensively are encouraging signs for a team desperate for leadership on the court.
The Zombie Lineup Takes Shape
With Huerter, Phillips, and White confirmed out and Jones questionable, Donovan faces the unenviable task of fielding a makeshift lineup against a Nuggets team led by the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokić. The Bulls will likely rely on Josh Giddey, who signed a four-year, $100 million extension this offseason, to anchor the offense. Giddey’s availability has been a saving grace, and his playmaking will be critical against Denver’s stout defense.
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The preseason is designed to let teams experiment and build chemistry without major consequences, but for the Bulls, these games are a proving ground for their depth. Players like Buzelis and Dosunmu have seized their chances to shine, but the absence of key contributors raises questions about how Chicago will fare when the regular season tips off. Other role players will need to step up, and Donovan’s ability to maximize this depleted roster will be put to the test.
Season Hangs in the Balance
The Bulls’ matchup against the Nuggets is more than just a preseason game—it’s a litmus test for a team teetering on the edge. A strong showing could boost confidence and carry momentum into the regular season, while a blowout loss might expose vulnerabilities that could haunt Chicago early on. With Jokić’s Nuggets presenting a formidable challenge, the Bulls’ “zombie lineup” will need to summon every ounce of grit to avoid being overwhelmed.
As the regular season looms, the Bulls’ health remains a major concern. If Huerter, Phillips, and White can return to full strength, and if Jones makes it back for Tuesday, Chicago’s outlook could brighten. For now, though, the team is in survival mode, relying on young talent and sheer determination to weather this injury apocalypse. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Bulls can rise from the ashes or if their season will indeed hang by a thread.