Chicago Bulls: 5 Areas Of Concern Following Latest Setback

Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during a timeout in the fourth quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Bulls 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during a timeout in the fourth quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Bulls 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg calls a playing the second quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg calls a playing the second quarter during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Injuries Starting To Take A Toll

As was the case during Tom Thibodeau’s five-year run in the Windy City, injuries are starting to factor into the equation with this ball club once again. While Joakim Noah recently returned from a left shoulder injury that sidelined him for several weeks, it appears there are other key players who are playing with nicks and bruises as well.

Jimmy Butler is suffering from a sore right ankle, but plans on playing through the pain. Pau Gasol, who has been playing well as of late (16 points and 11 rebounds per game in January), recently revealed that he is a dealing with a sprained shoulder and sore Achilles, and that he may miss the upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

With multiple players dealing with injuries at the same time, one has to wonder whether or not Fred Hoiberg will opt to rest them at some point. After all, this year was supposed to be about having a team that would be in better shape when the postseason rolls around, right?

Next: Defensive Slippage