The Chicago Bulls announced on Monday that forward Torrey Craig will be sidelined for at least two weeks after suffering a sprained right ankle. The veteran swingman hasn’t played since sustaining the injury during a Dec. 30 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Craig, 34, exited that game after scoring a season-high 18 points in the 115-108 win in Charlotte. An MRI later revealed a sprained ankle that will keep the defensive-minded wing out of action until he is re-evaluated in two weeks, at which point a clearer timeline for his return should emerge.
Limited Role This Season
In his second season with the Bulls, Craig has appeared in just nine of the team’s 39 games so far. He is averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per contest off the bench.
With his ability to defend multiple positions, Craig provides value as a versatile role player. However, he has seen his playing time fluctuate, receiving five DNP-CDs already this season.
Next Man Up Mentality
The injury-riddled Bulls, who are already without star guard Lonzo Ball indefinitely, will need to rely on their depth to fill Craig’s spot in the rotation. Look for players like:
- Derrick Jones Jr. to see an uptick in minutes
- Javonte Green to take on a bigger role defensively
Rookie wing Dalen Terry, who has shown flashes of potential, could also find himself with more opportunities to crack the rotation and prove himself.
Tough Stretch Ahead
At 18-21 and clinging to the final Play-In Tournament spot in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks. Some notable opponents include:
| Date | Opponent |
| Jan. 14 | @ Boston Celtics |
| Jan. 18 | @ Philadelphia 76ers |
| Jan. 22 | vs Brooklyn Nets |
| Jan. 25 | vs Atlanta Hawks |
With Craig sidelined, the Bulls will need their other role players to step up on both ends if they hope to weather this difficult stretch and remain in the postseason picture. The full impact of his absence will become clear in the weeks ahead.
It’s a credit to the Torrey Craigs of the world that they’re always ready to help the team. Stepping up when your number is called isn’t easy.
– Billy Donovan, Bulls head coach
While Craig isn’t a household name, his injury deals another blow to a Bulls second unit that has been up-and-down all season. The veteran journeyman has made a career out of being a steady, plug-and-play option on the wing, a trend Chicago hopes continues once he’s healthy again.
For now, the Bulls will have to make due without the defensive specialist as they navigate the dog days of the NBA season and fight to stay afloat in a competitive East. The real impact of Craig’s absence – and who fills the void – will be a subplot to monitor in the Windy City.
