Josh Giddey to travel with Bulls on 6-game trip, though it's not clear when he'll return from injury

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls hope Josh Giddey returns from a sprained right ankle during their season-long six-game trip.

Coach Billy Donovan said Thursday the point guard will travel with the team and there is “some optimism” he will play during the trip. He said the pain has gone down, though the swelling “is definitely still there.”

Giddey left in the fourth quarter of Chicago's win over Indiana on Monday after he landed awkwardly on his ankle — the same one he injured playing for Australia at the Olympics last summer.

Giddey did not play against Brooklyn on Thursday night. The Bulls visit Houston on Saturday and go to Utah, Phoenix, Sacramento, the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver before hosting the Lakers on March 27.

Giddey, acquired from Oklahoma City last summer, is averaging 13.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists. He has played particularly well since the All-Star break, averaging 23.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists in nine games.

Giddey had a season-high 29 points to go with 10 rebounds on Monday before he appeared to come down awkwardly on an Indiana player's foot midway through the fourth quarter. He was in obvious pain as he hopped off the court and went to the locker room.

Chicago was 10th in the Eastern Conference at 27-38 and held the final play-in spot entering Thursday's game. ___

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