Denver Nuggets vs Chicago Bulls injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 7, 2026)

The Denver Nuggets face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the United Center. Both teams are looking to end three-game losing streaks, and player availability is expected to play a major role in the result.Denver enters the game with the stronger record, while Chicago is trying to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference standings before the All-Star break. Injuries on both sides could affect rotations, defensive matchups, and scoring options.

Denver Nuggets injury report and availability vs Chicago Bulls (February 7, 2026)

Denver is dealing with several injuries, mainly affecting its wing and frontcourt depth.Out • Aaron Gordon - Right hamstring strain; re-evaluation in 4-6 weeks. • Peyton Watson - Grade 2 right hamstring strain; expected out at least four weeks. • Spencer Jones - In concussion protocol. • Tamar Bates - Left foot injury requiring surgery; re-evaluation in 12 weeks.Questionable • Nikola Jokić - Left ankle sprain; listed as day-to-day and a game-time decision but expected to play. • Cameron Johnson - Right knee bone bruise.Probable / Day-to-day • Christian Braun - Left ankle sprain; expected to play but could have limited minutes.If Johnson does not play, Isaiah Todd and Julian Strawther could see more time.

The absence of Gordon and Watson removes two important perimeter defenders.

Chicago Bulls injury report and roster impact vs Denver Nuggets (February 7, 2026)

Chicago continues to manage injuries in the backcourt along with long-term frontcourt absences.Out • Tre Jones - Hamstring strain; expected back no earlier than Feb. 9. • Josh Giddey - Left hamstring strain; has missed multiple games. • Zach Collins - Toe injury; not expected before the All-Star break. • Noa Essengue - Left shoulder surgery; out for the season.Game-time / Day-to-day • Jalen Smith - Calf issue. • Guerschon Yabusele - Not injury related; expected out through at least Feb. 7. • Leonard Miller - Not injury related; also expected out through Feb. 7.With Tre Jones and Giddey unavailable, Coby White and Tyus Jones are likely to handle most of the ball. Ayo Dosunmu should not be included in the current lineup following his reported trade to Minnesota. Chicago also has limited depth behind Nikola Vučević.

Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets Projected starting lineups

Nuggets projected lineup

• Guards: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun • Wings: Tim Hardaway Jr., Isaiah Todd / Julian Strawther • Bigs: Nikola Jokić, Jonas ValančiūnasDenver is expected to rely on Murray and Jokić for offensive creation, with Braun and Hardaway spacing the floor.

Bulls projected lineup

• Guards: Coby White, Tyus Jones • Wings: Matas Buzelis, Torrey Craig • Bigs: Nikola Vučević, Jalen Smith (if available)Vučević is averaging about 16-17 points and nine rebounds this season.

Chicago’s defense will depend on how well White and Jones contain Murray and limit passing lanes to Jokić.

Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets Previous meeting this season

The teams have played once during the 2025-26 season. • Nov. 17, 2025 - Bulls 130, Nuggets 127 (OT) • Bulls leaders: Josh Giddey (21 points), Ayo Dosunmu (21 points) • Nuggets leader: Nikola Jokić (36 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists)Chicago kept pace offensively in that game, but Denver maintained strong efficiency.

Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets Team stats comparison (2025-26)

Denver leads in scoring efficiency and shooting percentages, while Chicago holds a slight advantage in rebounds and blocks.

Chicago Bulls vs Denver Nuggets Key storylines

- Jokić’s ankle: Chicago’s frontcourt plays physically. Jokić’s mobility could influence Denver’s offensive flow.- Chicago’s backcourt injuries: Fewer available guards may reduce defensive pressure on Murray and Braun. If Smith is also unavailable, Denver could have an edge inside.- Ending the losing streak: Both teams need a win before the All-Star break. Denver is positioned higher in the Western Conference, while Chicago is trying to remain above .500.- Perimeter shooting: Denver is shooting 39.45% from three compared to Chicago’s 36.80%. Open perimeter looks could decide the game.Denver enters the matchup as the more efficient team, especially if Jokić is able to play without major limitations. Chicago still brings size and interior presence but is short on healthy rotation players due to injuries to Tre Jones, Josh Giddey, Zach Collins, and Noa Essengue.If Murray and Jokić control the offense and Denver maintains its shooting efficiency, the Nuggets hold a slight advantage in this matchup.