Josh Giddey Targeting Thursday Return After 11-Games
Josh Giddey return Bulls vs Timberwolves 2026
The Chicago Bulls are optimistic that star point guard Josh Giddey will make his long-awaited return to the lineup on Thursday night, January 22, 2026, when the team faces the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road. Head coach Billy Donovan provided an encouraging update prior to Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, stating that Giddey has progressed well in his recovery from a strained left hamstring and is “just about ready” to suit up. Although Giddey was upgraded to questionable for the Clippers matchup and participated in pre-game warmups at the United Center, the team ultimately decided to hold him out for an 11th consecutive game to ensure he is 100% healthy. Donovan noted that the medical staff is focused on a cautious ramp-up process and that Giddey has experienced no setbacks since returning to five-on-five practice with the Windy City Bulls over the weekend.
Giddey has been sidelined since December 31, 2025, when he suffered the non-contact injury during the third quarter of a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Prior to the setback, the 23-year-old Australian was enjoying a historic breakout campaign in his second season with Chicago, averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. His performance has placed him in rare statistical territory alongside superstars like Nikola Jokic and sparked serious All-Star consideration as the Bulls push for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. During his absence, Chicago has relied heavily on the backcourt duo of Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu, managing a 5-6 record while awaiting their primary playmaker’s return. Jones particularly stepped up in the starting role, including a career-high 34-point performance against the Houston Rockets last week.
The matchup in Minnesota carries added weight for Giddey, as it was against the Timberwolves on December 29 that he first felt tightness in his hamstring before the official strain was diagnosed a game later. The Bulls currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 20-23 record and are eager to reintegrate Giddey’s triple-double threat as they navigate a crowded mid-season schedule. With 40-man roster adjustments and trade deadline rumors swirling around other veteran pieces, the organization remains committed to building around Giddey, who signed a significant contract extension prior to the 2025-26 season. Fans can expect a slight minutes restriction in his first few games back to mitigate the risk of aggravating the soft tissue injury.
