Bulls' Josh Giddey Out Weeks With Hamstring Strain

Josh Giddey will miss at least a few weeks with a left hamstring strain suffered early in the third quarter of Chicago’s loss to Minnesota. The 23 year old, who signed a four year 100 million deal, is averaging 19.2 points 9.0 assists and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 46.6 percent and 38.6 percent from three. His absence makes a crowded Bulls injury picture worse as Coby White is also sidelined, leaving Chicago thin during a packed stretch of games. Merlin sees the ripple effects. The Bulls are perched around .500 and a short Giddey layoff could flip momentum quickly. Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones must step up on offense and ball control or Chicago will trade wins for more uncertainty. This is a winter test of depth and coaching will.