The Los Angeles Lakers are drowning in a seven-game losing streak, while the Chicago Bulls face a bevy of injuries that have them trying to keep the boat from sinking. Joakim Noah is out for the year after separating his shoulder, Nikola Mirotic is out for approximately a month after undergoing an appendectomy, and both Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose are dealing with leg injuries. Rose is expected to play, while Hinrich is doubtful.
The Lakers received good news after Julius Randle reported soreness in his left leg.