Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets - GAME DAY PREVIEW

The Bulls visit the Toyota Center to battle the Rockets.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (34-35) will face a tough task on Thursday night as they head to the Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets (33-35). The Rockets have been formidable at home, compiling a solid 23-11 record, while the Bulls have struggled on the road, winning only 16 of their 34 matches.

Coby White returning?

Bulls guard Coby White may be on the cusp of a return to the floor after missing the past three games due to a hip injury. The former Tar Heel went through practice on Wednesday and mentioned that while he felt great, he would still check how his body felt on Thursday morning before the medical staff decides on his status for the game against the Rockets.

White’s return should help galvanize a Bulls’ offense that has relied heavily on the shotmaking of DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Ayo Dosunmu, who has stepped up without his backcourt mate.

However, Chicago will have its hands full trying to defend explosive guard Jalen Green, who scored 42 points in the Rockets’ 137-114 win over the Washington Wizards. Houston has won six games in a row, and Green is averaging 27.3 points, six rebounds, and 3.3 assists over the past 10 games.

“Stop it! Stop playing!”

Jalen Green had 42 PTS, 10 REB, 7 3PT and this layup… pic.twitter.com/AtSLWLqQfa

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 20, 2024

Caruso is questionable

Aside from White, another guard the Bulls listed as questionable to play is defensive dynamo Alex Caruso, who continues to be bothered by an injured ankle. Should Caruso play, he will have a pivotal role to play defending Green and All-Star guard Fred Van Vleet.

Alex Caruso: Dominant disruptor pic.twitter.com/qXeWBOCDiB

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) March 19, 2024

Alex Caruso is grateful to have DeMar DeRozan on their squad: "He just is a winner at heart"