On March 11, 2025, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey suffered a right ankle injury during his team's 121-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The injury unfolded midway through the fourth quarter when Giddey landed awkwardly on the foot of Pacers guard Ben Sheppard, leading to immediate pain and frustration for the young star.
Giddey had been playing exceptionally well prior to the injury, scoring 29 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and contributing four assists. His shooting performance was also notable, going 11 for 18 from the floor and making two three-point attempts. This game marked Giddey's eighth double-double over the course of nine games.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan confirmed the injury post-game, stating, "It’s a sprained ankle, I just probably won’t know how severe it is until probably a day or two. I have no idea if they’ll do any imaging or anything else like it, but it is a sprained ankle." Donovan expressed concern as this is the same ankle Giddey injured last year during the Paris Olympics, where he suffered a ruptured ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament).
The timing of the injury poses significant worries for both Giddey and the Bulls, who have recently won three consecutive games and are currently vying for position in the NBA's Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Coby White, Giddey's teammate, provided some reassurance, saying, "We asked him after the game, he said he was cool. He’s a tough guy. He’s got Australian toughness in him. He’ll be alright."
Giddey’s injury happened just as Chicago was finding its rhythm, with the team improving its playoff chances. His stellar play has been pivotal, especially following the trade of Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings earlier this season. Entering the game against the Pacers, Giddey was averaging 22.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.0 assists since the All-Star break, making his recent performance all the more significant.
Fans were left anxiously awaiting updates as Giddey exited the arena wearing a walking boot. This incident not only dampens the excitement surrounding the Bulls but also raises questions about the team's ability to sustain their recent momentum without their star player.
The 22-year-old Australian has had his share of injuries this season, previously missing games due to various ailments including quadriceps contusions and earlier ankle sprains. But his impressive recent form, including game-winning contributions and near triple-double performances, has kept the hopes of Bulls fans alive as they look to secure a spot for the postseason.
With seven minutes still remaining on the clock when the injury occurred, the Bulls were comfortably leading by 17 points, highlighting the potential of their roster this season when healthy. Giddey had already been having significant impacts on games, finally garnering recognition as one of the key players for Chicago as they navigate the challenges of the NBA season.
It's uncertain how long Giddey will be sidelined, and the challenge for the Bulls now is to adapt without him. The team still contends for the valuable higher seeds as they aim for clearer playoff positioning. Much attention will be on the upcoming games against tough opponents, as the Bulls must seek resilience and depth from their role players.
Giddey and the Bulls have shown high potential this season. Losing him could greatly affect their chances at making noise come playoff time, but as of now, they'll have to face facing the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday without their star guard, pending updates on his health. The league, Bulls fans, and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his recovery progresses.