Taj Gibson received a standing ovation from fans at the United Center during his return with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Chicago Bulls hosted the Grizzlies in the game, marking Gibson’s first visit to the city since his time with the Bulls. Fans welcomed him warmly as he entered the game, according to RealMikeyBets on X. Gibson, 40, expressed uncertainty about his return to play earlier in the season, as reported by K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network. Gibson’s last appearance in Chicago was to witness the jersey retirement ceremony for former teammate Derrick Rose on January 24 against the Boston Celtics. The Grizzlies’ game against the Bulls was part of a broader season for Gibson, who signed a two-year contract with Memphis in February after the Kyle Anderson buyout. His debut with the Grizzlies came on March 13, where he played 13 minutes and scored 3 points in a 126-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Prior to joining the Grizzlies, Gibson spent the 2024-25 season with the Charlotte Hornets and had previously played for the Pistons. Gibson’s career with the Bulls from 2009 to 2017 remains a significant chapter in his NBA journey. He emerged as a defensive standout, particularly noted for his ability to block shots. During his tenure, the Bulls made two playoff appearances: in 2011, they finished with a 62-20 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell to the Miami Heat in five games. Four years later, the team posted a 50-32 record and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. In 2010, Gibson earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team, and in 2014, he was runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year.#chicago_bulls #memphis_grizzlies #taj_gibson #derrick_rose #realmikybet

Spurs' 50th Win Marks End of Rebuild, Wembanyama's Rise The San Antonio Spurs’ 50th victory of the season, secured with a gritty win over the undermanned Los Angeles Clippers, felt like a turning point. It marked the end of a prolonged rebuild that spanned nearly a decade, during which the team struggled to consistently exceed 22 wins in two of the past three seasons. The Spurs’ ability to surpass the 50-win threshold after nine years without such a feat signaled a return to competitiveness. The win, though hard-fought, underscored the team’s resilience. The Spurs fell behind by 14 points early in the game but clawed their way back to a 14-point halftime lead. Despite a late surge by the Clippers, San Antonio held on thanks to defensive stops, including a Victor Wembanyama block, and clutch free throws. “Sometimes when basketball is not working,” Wembanyama said, “we got to get nasty a little bit.” The Spurs’ resurgence is no accident. Over the past two months, they’ve defeated top-tier teams like the Thunder, Celtics, and Lakers, while maintaining a strong record against the Clippers and Pistons. Their offensive efficiency ranks first in the NBA since the All-Star break, and their net rating trails only Atlanta. Defensively, they sit sixth, solidifying their status as a legitimate playoff contender. Wembanyama has been central to this transformation. Once overlooked in MVP discussions, he’s now a front-runner, averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks per game. Despite a subpar performance against the Clippers—where he shot 2 of 9 from three—he finished with 21 points and altered countless shots. His physicality has increased, as seen in his clashes with Chet Holmgren and his aggressive defense on Jayson Tatum.#san_antonio_spurs #los_angeles_clippers #mitch_johnson #victor_wembanyama #chicago_bulls

JJ Redick On Jake LaRavia And Jarred Vanderbilt's Comebacks The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to take on the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena, with head coach JJ Redick addressing the team’s recent challenges during a pregame press conference. Redick focused on the progress of two bench players, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt, who have both struggled with consistency but are showing signs of improvement. LaRavia, who has been a key contributor off the bench, faced criticism from Redick after a poor performance in a recent loss to the Denver Nuggets. “I told him he was awful,” Redick recalled, referencing LaRavia’s subpar play in two consecutive games. The forward had only two points and one assist in the loss, shooting 16.7% from the field. However, since then, LaRavia has rebounded with multiple eight-point outings during the Lakers’ three-game winning streak. Redick praised his ability to perform in transition, defend on closeouts, and contribute physically, noting that his recent improvements have made him a reliable asset for the team. LaRavia’s resurgence has been crucial for the Lakers, who are aiming to secure a playoff spot. The forward has averaged 8.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists this season while shooting 45.8% from the field. His consistent availability has also been a boon, as he has missed no games this season. Redick emphasized the importance of players like LaRavia maintaining their roles, especially with the team nearing the playoffs. Vanderbilt, who recently returned to the rotation after a slump, also received attention from Redick. The forward had been sidelined for several games but has since re-established himself with over 10 minutes of action in each of the Lakers’ last three wins.#los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #chicago_bulls #jake_laravia #jarred_vanderbilt

Lakers' Rui Hachimura Logs Heavy Workload in Win Over Chicago Rui Hachimura played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Lakers' 142-130 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, contributing 15 points (6 of 10 from the field, 3 of 5 from beyond the arc), along with one rebound, one assist, and one steal across 40 minutes of action. Despite the presence of LeBron James, who returned to the lineup, Hachimura carried a significant workload as the team dealt with the absence of several key players. His performance underscored his importance to the roster, particularly in the absence of injured teammates. Over the past seven games, Hachimura has averaged 10.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 2.1 three-pointers per contest, playing an average of 27.8 minutes per game. His ability to contribute consistently in both scoring and playmaking roles has made him a reliable asset for the Lakers. The 40-minute effort against Chicago marked a notable increase in his minutes compared to his usual workload, highlighting his adaptability and the team's reliance on his skills during the stretch of the season. The Lakers' victory was bolstered by Hachimura's contributions, as the team managed to secure a win despite the challenges posed by player absences. His performance also reflected the team's strategic adjustments, with the coaching staff utilizing his versatility to fill gaps in the lineup. While LeBron's return provided a boost, Hachimura's ability to step up in high-pressure moments demonstrated his value as a key contributor. The game against Chicago was part of a broader trend for the Lakers, who have been navigating a mix of challenges and opportunities throughout the season. Hachimura's efforts in this matchup exemplify his role as a player who can make an impact when called upon, even in the face of adversity.#los_angeles #lakers #lebron_james #chicago_bulls #ruihachimura

Tre Jones Fills Stat Sheet in Bulls' Loss to Lakers Tre Jones delivered a standout performance for the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, contributing significantly to the team’s effort in a 142-130 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The guard recorded 18 points, six assists, four rebounds, and one steal while shooting 8 of 16 from the field, 0 of 2 from beyond the arc, and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line. His all-around contribution helped the Bulls stay competitive against a strong Lakers squad. Jones has been consistently effective in recent games, posting two or more assists and 12 or more points in each of his last five contests. This stretch has come as he has received increased playing time under head coach Billy Donovan, allowing him to showcase his versatility on both ends of the floor. Through the season, Jones has averaged 12.7 points and 5.5 assists per game, alongside a usage rate of 17.3%, highlighting his role as a key playmaker for the Bulls. The 2023 NBA Draft pick has continued to build on his rookie season, demonstrating improved decision-making and scoring efficiency. His ability to create opportunities for teammates while maintaining his own offensive output has made him a valuable asset for the Bulls. Despite the loss, his performance underscored his growth as a player and his potential to contribute meaningfully in the league. Jones’ efforts on Thursday were part of a broader trend of strong outings that have positioned him as a reliable contributor for the Bulls. As the season progresses, his ability to balance scoring, playmaking, and defense will be critical in helping the team achieve its goals. With his performance against the Lakers, Jones has reinforced his status as a rising star in the NBA.#los_angeles_lakers #chicago_bulls #billy_donovan #tre_jones #nba_draft

Bulls' Tre Jones to Start Thursday Tre Jones is set to start for the Chicago Bulls in Thursday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a report from The California Post. The 2026 NBA season has seen Jones establish himself as a key contributor, and his inclusion in the starting lineup for this game marks a significant role in the team's strategy. Joining Jones in the first unit will be Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Leonard Miller, and Jalen Smith. As a starter this season, Jones has averaged 13.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His ability to impact both ends of the court has made him a valuable asset for the Bulls, particularly in high-stakes matchups. The decision to start Jones for Thursday's game reflects his consistent performance and the team's confidence in his contributions. The Bulls' coaching staff has shown a willingness to adjust lineups based on opponent strengths and team dynamics. Jones' inclusion in the starting five for this game against the Lakers suggests a strategic move to leverage his playmaking and defensive versatility. His role as a playmaker and perimeter defender has been a focal point of the Bulls' offensive and defensive schemes this season. Jones' performance as a starter has been a bright spot for the Bulls, especially in games where the team has needed a reliable floor general. His ability to distribute the ball and create opportunities for teammates has been a key factor in the team's success. The starting lineup for Thursday's game is expected to provide a balanced mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive intensity, positioning the Bulls to compete against a strong Lakers squad. The game against the Lakers is a critical matchup for the Bulls, as both teams are vying for playoff positioning.#los_angeles_lakers #the_california_post #chicago_bulls #josh_giddey #tre_jones

Bulls' Leonard Miller: Impresses in start Leonard Miller made a strong impression during his first start of the season, contributing 15 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 31 minutes for the Chicago Bulls during a 142-130 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Despite the team’s defeat, Miller’s performance highlighted his growing role as the Bulls navigate a challenging season marked by numerous injuries. His ability to impact the game in significant ways has positioned him as a valuable asset in fantasy basketball formats. Over his last six games, Miller has averaged 10.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.0 three-pointers while shooting 54.2% from the field in 23.7 minutes per contest. His efficiency and versatility have made him a standout performer in limited playing time, particularly as the Bulls have struggled with depth at the center position. Coach Billy Donovan has increasingly relied on Miller to fill the void left by injured starters, and his recent outings suggest he is capable of delivering consistent production. Miller’s performance on Thursday marked one of his best outings of the season. His ability to score efficiently inside and contribute on the defensive end showcased his potential as a key rotational piece for the Bulls. With the team’s roster in flux due to injuries, Miller’s opportunity to play meaningful minutes has allowed him to shine, making him a player to watch in both real-world and fantasy contexts. As the Bulls continue to adjust their lineup, Miller’s role is likely to expand, further solidifying his value as a reliable contributor in the league.#los_angeles_lakers #chicago_bulls #leonard_miller #billy_donovan #center_position

Let the debate begin: Patrick Williams or Leonard Miller for the Bulls? The Chicago Bulls’ roster has sparked a heated discussion as fans and analysts weigh the potential roles of Patrick Williams and Leonard Miller in the team’s future. With Williams recovering from a recent injury and Miller making an impression in his limited appearances, the question remains: has the rookie forward outperformed the veteran enough to secure a starting spot? Leonard Miller, who earned his second consecutive start against the Los Angeles Lakers, has shown flashes of brilliance since joining the team. His ability to contribute in key moments has raised eyebrows, but critics argue his sample size is still small. Meanwhile, Patrick Williams, a newly acquired forward, has yet to fully demonstrate his value after sitting out recent games. As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, the debate centers on whether Miller’s early success justifies displacing Williams in the rotation, especially once the veteran returns to full health. The challenge for coach Billy Donovan lies in balancing experience with potential. While Williams brings a track record of performance, his absence has allowed Miller to step into the spotlight. However, the long-term viability of Miller’s role remains uncertain. Can he sustain his momentum against tougher competition, or will he fade as the season progresses? The Bulls’ coaching staff will need to evaluate both players’ contributions closely, as the decision could shape the team’s chemistry and depth. As the roster continues to take shape, the competition between Williams and Miller highlights the competitive nature of the NBA. Fans are eager to see which player will emerge as the key contributor, but for now, the debate remains open.#nba #chicago_bulls #patrick_williams #leonard_miller #billy_donovan

Matas Buzelis, LeBron James, And 3 Other Underdog Player Props For Lakers vs. Bulls Matas Buzelis is positioned as a strong contender for a high-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Chicago Bulls forward recently delivered a career-high 41 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors, continuing a trend of scoring 20 or more points in five of his last six contests. Buzelis is expected to carry this form into Thursday’s matchup, where the Lakers are allowing the 14th fewest points per game in the NBA at 114.9. His previous game against Los Angeles saw him score 31 points, further supporting the case for his over 19.5 points prop. LeBron James is another key player to watch, with the Lakers forward likely to exceed 19.5 points against the Bulls. James has consistently performed well against Chicago, scoring 24 points in their only meeting this season. The Bulls are allowing the sixth-most points per game in the NBA at 119.9, making it a favorable environment for James to reach his scoring target. His recent form, with 20 or more points in three of his last four games, adds to the confidence in his over 19.5 points prop. Josh Giddey, the Bulls’ guard, faces a challenging matchup against the Lakers’ defense, which is allowing the second fewest rebounds per game in the NBA at 49.2. Despite averaging 8.4 rebounds per game and recording nine or more in four of his last five contests, Giddey is expected to struggle against the Lakers’ frontcourt. His lone game against the Lakers saw him grab six rebounds, reinforcing the under 8.5 rebounds prop as a viable bet. Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ guard, is projected to exceed 5.5 assists against the Bulls, who are allowing the third most assists per game in the NBA at 28.4.#lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #chicago_bulls #matas_buzelis #golden_state_warriors

Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight vs the Chicago Bulls? Latest Update on the Los Angeles Lakers Star's Injury Report Luka Doncic is expected to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in their matchup against the Chicago Bulls on March 12, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. The Slovenian guard, who joined the Lakers in February 2025 after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, has been a key contributor to the team’s offense since his arrival. The latest injury report released on March 12 confirms that Doncic has no issues and is fully available for the game. He is anticipated to take on his usual role as the team’s primary ball handler, continuing his impact on the court. The Lakers enter the game with a record of 40 wins and 25 losses, having recently secured victories against the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. These wins have helped the team build a short winning streak ahead of the matchup. In contrast, the Chicago Bulls have struggled this season, posting a 27-38 record. The Bulls have faced multiple injuries throughout the year, leading to a depleted roster and challenges in maintaining consistent performance. Doncic’s injury status has been a focal point for fans and analysts. Earlier in February, he experienced leg soreness, but the issue has since resolved. He has participated in recent games and is now fully cleared to play. This season, Doncic has averaged 23.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Since joining the Lakers, he has formed a strong partnership with Austin Reaves in the backcourt, sharing playmaking duties and contributing to the team’s offensive success. The Lakers’ injury report for the game includes several key players. LeBron James is listed as questionable due to a right hip contusion and ongoing left foot arthritis.#luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #austin_reaves #crypto_com_arena #chicago_bulls

Los Angeles Lakers Announce Dalton Knecht Roster Move The Los Angeles Lakers have officially assigned Dalton Knecht to the G League’s South Bay team ahead of their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The move comes after Knecht did not play in the Lakers’ previous game against the New York Knicks, which ended in a 110-97 home victory. Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been sidelined for the past two games, with the Lakers opting to send him to the G League to gain more playing time. Knecht, who played college basketball for Tennessee, has appeared in just one G League game this season. In that contest, he recorded 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block while shooting 10 of 17 from the field and 6 of 10 from beyond the arc. His performance in the G League has been a positive sign for his development, as he continues to refine his shooting and overall game. The Lakers, currently sitting with a 39-25 record in 64 games, are in the midst of a two-game winning streak. They are set to host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday following their game against the Timberwolves. The team’s recent success has been fueled by a balanced attack, with Knecht’s potential as a three-point shooter being a key factor in their offensive strategy. Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ iconic former player and current team president, praised Knecht’s selection in the 2024 draft, calling him “just what the Lakers need.” Johnson highlighted Knecht’s ability as a deadly three-point shooter, his physicality, and his swagger, noting that his college experience at Tennessee under coach Rick Barnes prepared him for the NBA. “Dalton has a chance to start or play a lot off the bench,” Johnson wrote in a 2024 statement. Knecht’s season averages include 4.3 points and 1.#los_angeles_lakers #minnesota_timberwolves #chicago_bulls #g_league #dalton_knecht

Mac McClung Just Scored the Most Points in a Windy City Bulls Game Ever Mac McClung delivered a career-defining performance for the Windy City Bulls, scoring a record 54 points in a game against the College Park Skyhawks on February 5, 2026. The former Georgetown standout poured in 33 points in the first half alone, showcasing his elite shooting ability and playmaking skills. His final line included 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 18 field goals made out of 34 attempts, and 9 three-pointers out of 18. McClung’s efforts helped the Bulls secure a 127-126 overtime victory, marking the highest-scoring game in the G League this season. The 54-point outburst shattered the previous record for the Windy City Bulls, a team known for its competitive spirit in the G League. McClung’s efficiency was staggering, as he maintained a 51.3 percent field goal shooting rate and kept his free throw attempts below five per game. His 54-point game also elevated his season averages to a league-leading 30.2 points per game in 22 appearances, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant players in the league. McClung’s dominance in the G League is no surprise to those who have followed his career. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 20+ points per game in three of his four seasons and claimed the league’s MVP award in 2024. His 2023 championship with the College Park Skyhawks further underscored his ability to lead teams to success. Despite his accolades, McClung remains in the G League, seeking a chance to showcase his talents at the NBA level. The Chicago Bulls, who signed McClung to a two-way contract in 2025, have yet to provide him with meaningful playing time.#mac_mcclung #windy_city_bulls #college_park_skyhawks #chicago_bulls #g_league

Milwaukee Bucks Upgrade Giannis Antetokounmpo's Status The Milwaukee Bucks provided an update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s condition ahead of their matchup against the Boston Celtics on March 2, marking the first time since his right calf injury on January 23 that his status was officially listed as questionable. The team indicated Antetokounmpo would need to complete his full pregame routine without complications to be considered for the game. This update comes as the Bucks prepare for a contest at Fiserv Forum following a loss to the Chicago Bulls the previous night. Antetokounmpo’s injury history has been a significant concern this season. The 31-year-old star initially strained his left adductor on November 17, missing four games from November 20 to 26. He returned to play under a minute restriction but then suffered his first calf strain on December 3, leading to an eight-game absence from December 5 to 26. Despite returning under a minute restriction again, Antetokounmpo has not been fully healthy since November 15. The Bucks have relied heavily on Kevin Porter Jr. to fill the void during Antetokounmpo’s absence. Porter has been a key contributor, helping the team maintain competitiveness without their star player. However, the team’s performance has fluctuated, with a 15-15 record when Antetokounmpo played any minutes and an 11-18 mark without him. Antetokounmpo’s return to full health has been a focal point for the Bucks. In his 12 fully healthy games from October 22 to November 15, he posted impressive numbers: 63% field goal shooting, averaging 32.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. Even under a minute restriction, he maintained a strong efficiency, shooting 65.9% while averaging 24.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 0.#milwaukee_bucks #fiserv_forum #giannis_antetokounmpo #chicago_bulls #kevin_porter_jr
Giannis Antetokounmpo's Return Sparks Hope for Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to return to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup on Monday night against the Boston Celtics, according to Shams Charania. The star forward, who has missed five-plus weeks due to a right calf strain, will rejoin the team as they aim to strengthen their playoff push. His return comes after a challenging stretch for the Bucks, including a tough loss to the Chicago Bulls over the weekend. Despite the setback, the Bucks have remained competitive since the return of Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. The team has been racking up wins and is currently three games behind the Hornets for the final 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. With Giannis back, the Bucks could potentially make a late-season run, though analysts suggest they are unlikely to overtake teams like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami in the standings. Milwaukee fans are divided in their reactions. While the team holds the 10th-best odds for a playoff berth, they face challenges in securing a high draft pick. The Atlanta Hawks retain the rights to swap the top pick, limiting the Bucks' ability to move up in the standings. However, the team’s current position could still provide opportunities for future growth, whether through a potential trade or by building around Giannis in the long term. The Bucks’ decision to keep Giannis past the trade deadline has also sparked debate. Some analysts argue that holding onto the star player could position the team for a brighter future, either through a blockbuster trade or by developing young talent alongside him. As the season progresses, the Bucks’ ability to balance Giannis’ minutes and maintain competitiveness will be critical to their playoff hopes.#boston_celtics #shams_charania #milwaukee_bucks #giannis_antetokounmpo #chicago_bulls
Thanasis Antetokounmpo Injury: Under the weather Thanasis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bulls due to an illness. His late addition to the injury report raises concerns about his availability for the matchup, though his status will be finalized closer to the 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off time. The Bucks have not yet confirmed whether he will be able to play, leaving fans and analysts to speculate based on his recent performance. Antetokounmpo has appeared in 11 of the Bucks’ last 19 games, but his role has been minimal, with most of his playing time coming in late-game situations. In none of those appearances has he logged more than five minutes, and much of his involvement has occurred during garbage time. This limited role has raised questions about his impact on the team’s overall strategy, as he has not been a consistent contributor in recent outings. The injury report entry for Antetokounmpo comes as the Bucks prepare for a critical matchup against the Bulls, a team that has been a key contender in the Eastern Conference. His potential absence could affect the team’s depth, particularly in the backcourt, where the Bucks rely on a mix of veteran experience and younger players. However, the team may have contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of his possible absence. The situation highlights the challenges teams face when managing player health and workload, especially in a demanding schedule. While Antetokounmpo’s illness is not a major injury, the timing of his addition to the injury report adds uncertainty to the team’s preparation for the game. Coaches and medical staff will likely monitor his condition closely in the coming hours to determine his readiness to play.#milwaukee_bucks #chicago_bulls #thanasis_antetokounmpo #eastern_confederation #injury_report