Caleb Wilson’s fractured right hand has created an immediate scoring problem for the Chicago Bulls, and Norman Powell’s status leaves them uncertain how much help they will have against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
Wilson will undergo surgery, according to Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson, who cited Bulls public relations. Johnson reported that Wilson will likely be re-evaluated in three weeks and could miss four to six weeks.
Caleb Wilson fractured his right hand and will undergo surgery today, per Bulls PR. He’ll likely be re-evaluated in 3 weeks and could miss 4-6 weeks
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 12, 2026
A re-evaluation is not a return date. Chicago has already ruled Wilson out against Atlanta, while Powell is questionable on the NBA’s Thursday evening injury report.
That leaves the Bulls facing the possibility of playing without two major sources of offense. Through Wednesday, Wilson was averaging 18.9 points and 16.2 field-goal attempts in 10 games. Powell averaged 19.3 points and 12.9 attempts in eight appearances.
Those averages describe their individual workloads, not a guaranteed number of points Chicago would lose if both sit. The immediate issue is how the Bulls redistribute their shots and minutes with Wilson unavailable and Powell still awaiting clearance.
Norman Powell’s status adds uncertainty against Atlanta
The NBA’s 5:30 p.m. ET injury report lists Powell as questionable with low-back spasms. That is the current designation for Friday’s game; earlier reports about his absence against San Antonio listed a shoulder issue.
Chicago’s injury list also includes two other frontcourt players:
| Player | Status vs. Atlanta | Listed reason |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Wilson | Out | Right metacarpal fracture |
| Norman Powell | Questionable | Low-back spasms |
| Dailyn Swain | Questionable | Right disc irritation |
| Tobe Awaka | Out | Disc irritation |
Powell’s availability would give Chicago an established scoring option while it adjusts to Wilson’s absence. If Powell cannot play, the Bulls would have to replace both players’ offensive contributions against Atlanta. Swain’s uncertain status also limits how confidently Chicago can plan its available forward rotation.
