RealGM Basketball Wiretap

26 February 2026

• Anfernee Simons Re-Aggravates Wrist Fracture, No Timetable For Return

  Anfernee Simons re-aggravated a left wrist fracture, according to Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan.

  Donovan said that Simons, who left Saturday's game against the Pistons with the injury, originally suffered the fracture while with the Celtics.

  "The fracture hasn't quite healed and I think him seeing a hand specialist, they felt like, you know, once the pain subsides that he's fine to go back to play," Donovan said. "The last time it happened to him, it was in training camp in Boston. It was like a week or 10 days."

  Donovan had no timetable for Simons' return.

  Simons averaged 15.2 points in six games since getting traded to the Bulls from the Celtics.

• Guerschon Yabusele Nearly Signed With Nuggets Over Knicks In Free Agency

  Guerschon Yabusele nearly ended up signing with the Denver Nuggets rather than New York Knicks last offseason. Yabusele would have filled the backup center role behind Nikola Jokic that ultimately went to Jonas Valanciunas via a trade with the Sacramento Kings. Instead, Yabusele chose the Knicks where he was a bad fit under Mike Brown.

  Sources confirm Yabusele told New York ahead of the trade deadline that he was ready to waive his $5.7 million player option for next season in exchange for guaranteed playing time. That option ultimately complicated trade discussions, preventing the Knicks from sending Yabusele directly to the New Orleans Pelicans for target Jose Alvarado.

  New York was instead forced to first move Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls for Dalen Terry, who was then packaged with two second-round picks to the Pelicans to complete the Alvarado acquisition.

  In seven games with Chicago, he is averaging 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 25.4 minutes. With Nikola Vucevic gone, Chicago's frontcourt depth behind Jalen Smith and Nick Richards is limited, providing Yabusele a clear opportunity for consistent minutes.

  If Yabusele cannot secure a new contract with the Bulls after this season, sources indicate he would have a healthy market available, including a potential return to the EuroLeague.

• Anfernee Simons To Undergo Imaging On Left Wrist

  Anfernee Simons is set to undergo imaging on his left wrist and see a hand specialist on Monday, according to Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.

  Simons was hurt during Saturday's 126-110 loss to the Pistons.

  The guard was diagnosed with a sprain but Donovan had no other information on the injury.

  "They [the Bulls medical staff] certainly want to see a hand doctor and we'll do some pictures tomorrow, so I'll have a better idea," Donovan said. "He's out right now."

  Simons is averaging 15.2 points in six games since getting traded to the Bulls.

• How to watch New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, RSNs

  The New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls matchup on February 22, 2026, represents a marquee event in the Eastern Conference calendar, scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off at the United Center, located in Chicago, Illinois.

  The New York Knicks enter the final trimester of the 2025-26 season as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference, currently maintaining a 36-21 record which places them third in the standings. The team's identity has undergone a significant transformation under head coach Mike Brown, who was brought in to implement a more fluid, modern offensive system following the departure of Tom Thibodeau. Brown's "read-and-react" motion offense has yielded high-level results, as the Knicks currently boast the third-highest offensive rating in the NBA at 119.9. This system emphasizes high-frequency screening and multi-positional playmaking, though the transition has not been entirely seamless for all personnel. A primary concern for the coaching staff has been the shooting efficiency of Karl-Anthony Towns, who, despite earning an All-Star selection in February 2026, is navigating a career-low shooting season. Towns has seen his field goal percentage at the rim drop by 9%, and his catch-and-shoot three-point accuracy has declined by over 10%, leading to internal discussions about offensive adjustments heading into the postseason.

  The burden of leadership and offensive production has largely fallen on Jalen Brunson, who continues to establish himself as one of the league's premier closers. Brunson's February has been characterized by high-volume scoring, including a 33-point performance in a recent loss to Detroit and a masterful 18-point fourth-quarter comeback against Houston. To support Brunson, the Knicks' front office has been aggressive in the trade and buyout markets. The acquisition of Jose Alvarado provided a sparkplug defender and secondary playmaker, while the more recent signing of Jeremy Sochan off the buyout market has added a "Swiss Army Knife" defensive presence.

  The Chicago Bulls have reached a pivotal juncture in their organizational history, as evidenced by a 24-33 record and a twelfth-place standing in the Eastern Conference. The month of February 2026 has been defined by a radical deconstruction of the roster, as executive ArtÅ«ras Karnišovas moved several franchise cornerstones at the trade deadline. This "fire sale" saw the departures of Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and Ayo Dosunmu, signaling a definitive pivot toward a long-term rebuild and a strategic pursuit of a top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. The team is currently enduring an eight-game losing streak, a product of significant roster turnover and a lack of on-court chemistry among the newly acquired pieces.

  How to watch New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  The domestic television landscape for this matchup is primarily defined by regional sports networks (RSNs). In the New York market, coverage is anchored by MSG Network, which continues to provide the primary feed for the Knicks' pursuit of a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference. For viewers in the Chicago market, the broadcast will air on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), the recently established primary home for Bulls' regular-season content.

  While most Bulls games are relegated to CHSN, select nationally televised windows throughout the season have utilized platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, and Peacock; however, for the February 22 encounter, the RSNs remain the exclusive linear providers in their respective territories.

  Digital and streaming accessibility has expanded significantly by early 2026. Fubo remains a critical partner for NBA fans, offering a streaming service that integrates regional sports networks like MSG and CHSN into its standard sports packages. This allows cord-cutters within the local markets to maintain access to live game feeds without traditional cable subscriptions.

  How to watch New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  Jalen Brunson is slated to start at point guard, serving as the primary initiator and averaging 27.1 points per game this season. He will be paired in the backcourt by Mikal Bridges, who provides elite perimeter defense and has maintained a presence as a high-minute ironman. On the wing, OG Anunoby is expected to start after being cleared from a toe injury, offering the Knicks their most versatile defensive weapon against Chicago's perimeter threats. The frontcourt will be anchored by Karl-Anthony Towns at center, who the team hopes will find his rhythm in pick-and-roll situations, and Josh Hart, whose rebounding (3.4 per game) and transition play are essential for the Knicks' pace-down strategy. This unit is supported by a rejuvenated bench featuring Jose Alvarado and the newly signed Jeremy Sochan, who are expected to provide the defensive intensity necessary to disrupt Chicago's fast-paced offense.

  The Chicago Bulls' projected starting five is a direct reflection of their recent trade deadline maneuvers and a rash of backcourt injuries. With Jaden Ivey (knee) and Anfernee Simons (wrist) both officially ruled out for this contest, the Bulls are forced to lean on a more makeshift rotation. Josh Giddey is expected to start at point guard but will likely remain on a minutes restriction as he continues his return from a hamstring injury. Collin Sexton is projected to start at shooting guard, tasked with the bulk of the scoring responsibility after the departure of Coby White. Isaac Okoro, another recent acquisition, will start at small forward, providing a defensive counter to Jalen Brunson. The frontcourt will feature Matas Buzelis at power forward, where he has thrived as a secondary scorer and weak-side shot blocker, alongside Jalen Smith at center. Smith's return from a calf strain provides the Bulls with a modern "stretch five" who can pull Karl-Anthony Towns away from the rim, though his primary challenge will be contending with the Knicks' superior offensive rebounding.

  Head-to-Head Series History

  In their initial meeting on October 31, 2025, the Bulls secured a high-octane 135-125 victory at the United Center, which at the time appeared to validate their veteran-led offensive approach. However, the Knicks quickly recalibrated, winning the subsequent matchup on November 2, 2025, with a score of 128-116 behind a clinical 130.4 offensive rating. The series continued its seesaw nature throughout the autumn; the Bulls managed a narrow 124-123 win on November 14, while the Knicks dominated the January 5, 2026, contest with a 139-126 final score.

  Over the course of these four games, the "over" has been a consistent trend, hitting in nearly 85% of their most recent head-to-head encounters. While the all-time regular season series favors Chicago with 131 wins to New York's 120, the current divergence in team objectives-New York's contention versus Chicago's rebuilding-suggests that historical trends may take a backseat to current roster disparities.

• Bulls Shut Down Zach Collins For Season; Jaden Ivey Out At Least Two Weeks

  The Chicago Bulls are shutting down center Zach Collins for the remainder of the regular season. Collins needs surgery to correct a sprained right toe. The veteran center has been out since late-December due to the injury.

  The Bulls have also shut down guard Jaden Ivey for at least the next two weeks. Ivey did not play in Thursday's first game after the All-Star break. The Bulls initially said Ivey was healthy and available. After Thursday's game, Ivey spoke about how he still wasn't feeling himself since returning from last season's broken left leg and right knee surgery in mid-October. Ivey is now experiencing soreness in his left knee, so Chicago is giving him time off to see if that gets the young guard feeling back to normal.

• How to watch Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls NBA game: Tip-off time, cable channels, RSNs

  The National Basketball Association's 2025-26 regular season resumes with a high-stakes Eastern Conference clash as the Toronto Raptors travel to the United Center to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This matchup serves as a critical post-All-Star break litmus test for two franchises currently operating on divergent trajectories within the conference hierarchy. The Toronto Raptors enter the contest as one of the most resurgent stories of the season, currently holding a 32-23 record and occupying the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference standings. Conversely, the Chicago Bulls, with a 24-31 record, find themselves in eleventh place, desperately attempting to halt a six-game losing streak that has undermined their push for a play-in tournament position.

  Under the leadership of head coach Darko Rajakovic, the organization has emphasized a modern, high-IQ offensive system that prioritizes ball movement and the unique versatility of its primary stars. The central narrative of the Raptors' season has been the extraordinary chemistry developed between Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.

  Scottie Barnes, in his fifth professional season, has firmly established himself as the face of the franchise. Averaging 19.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, Barnes provides a multi-categorical impact that few players in the league can replicate. His selection as an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve for the 2026 game in Los Angeles was widely viewed as a deserved recognition of his defensive dominance and playmaking growth. Barnes' ability to initiate the offense at 6'8" creates significant matchup problems for smaller backcourts, a factor that will be critical against Chicago's guard-heavy rotation.

  The Chicago Bulls arrive at the February 19 contest in a state of profound flux, navigating one of the most dramatic mid-season overhauls in recent NBA history. Entering the 2026 trade deadline, the Bulls front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, executed a massive pivot by moving veteran core pieces such as Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu in exchange for a plethora of second-round picks and youthful talent. This strategy, while controversial among some segments of the fanbase, was designed to retool the roster around high-upside playmakers like Josh Giddey and the rookie Matas Buzelis.

  Currently mired in a six-game losing streak, the Bulls have struggled to find tactical cohesion amid the roster turnover. The team's defensive deficiencies have been particularly glaring, as they rank twenty-seventh in the league in opponent points per game, allowing 120.6 points per contest. The absence of a traditional veteran rim protector following the Vucevic trade has left rookie Matas Buzelis and newcomer Nick Richards with an immense defensive burden.

  How to watch Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  The game is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, with an official tip-off time set for 8:00 p.m. ET. The contest will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, a venue that has historically provided a significant home-court advantage for the Bulls, though recent results have challenged that trend. This fixture marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they transition into the final third of the regular season, with Toronto looking to solidify its playoff positioning and Chicago attempting to integrate several high-impact players acquired during a hyperactive trade deadline.Fans in the local markets and across North America have multiple options for viewing the game through traditional cable and regional sports networks.

  In the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding regions, the game will be broadcast live on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). This network remains the primary home for Bulls coverage following the team's recent shift in broadcasting partners.

  For viewers in Canada, the game will be carried by SportsNet, ensuring national coverage across the Raptors' primary market. SportsNet's coverage typically includes pre-game analysis, halftime reports, and extensive post-game breakdowns featuring former players and technical analysts.

  How to watch Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  How to watch anywhere with VPN

  If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

  Probable Starting Lineups

  The Toronto Raptors are expected to field a standard starting unit led by point guard Immanuel Quickley, who has averaged 17.0 points and 6.1 assists this season while providing essential perimeter spacing. He is joined in the backcourt by RJ Barrett, whose downhill aggression and secondary playmaking have been vital to the team's transition game. The forward positions will be occupied by the All-Star duo of Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, both of whom provide elite length and multi-level scoring. Jakob Poeltl is slated to start at center, having recently returned from a back injury to stabilize the Raptors' rim protection. The Raptors' bench will be bolstered by the availability of rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who is expected to play through a lingering thumb injury that did not prevent him from appearing in the Rising Stars event. However, Sandro Mamukelashvili is listed as questionable with a right rib contusion, which could lead to increased minutes for Trayce Jackson-Davis or Jonathan Mogbo.

  The Chicago Bulls' starting lineup remains in a state of transition as Wes Unseld Jr. attempts to find the optimal balance among his new players. Josh Giddey is confirmed to start at point guard after practicing fully following a minor hamstring issue. He will be joined by the recently acquired Anfernee Simons, who immediately assumes the role of primary perimeter threat. Jaden Ivey, another trade deadline acquisition, is expected to start at small forward, providing elite athleticism and transition scoring.

  The frontcourt will likely feature rookie Matas Buzelis at power forward, where he has been a rare bright spot for the Bulls' defense with 1.5 blocks per game, and Nick Richards at center to combat the size of Poeltl. The Bulls' injury report remains substantial; while Giddey and Jalen Smith are expected to play, the team will be without Zach Collins due to a toe injury and Noa Essengue, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Tre Jones is also considered day-to-day with a hamstring strain, potentially leaving the Bulls thin at the backup point guard position.

  Head-to-Head Series History

  In their most recent encounter on February 5, 2026, the Raptors secured a commanding 123-107 victory at Scotiabank Arena, easily covering the 7.5-point spread. During that game, Toronto's superior depth was evident, particularly in the frontcourt where the Bulls had no answer for the Raptors' interior length. Sandro Mamukelashvili emerged as an unlikely hero in that matchup, contributing 17 points and three steals off the bench, highlighting a bench scoring advantage that has plagued the Bulls throughout the season.

  Historical data from the 2024-25 season shows that Chicago previously held a competitive edge, winning three of four matchups, but those results featured a Bulls roster anchored by veteran contributors like Vucevic and White who are no longer with the organization.

• Collin Sexton Fined $35K For Inappropriate Gesture

  The NBA fined Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton $35,000 for making an inappropriate gesture on the court.

  Sexton threw up his middle finger after missing a pair of free throws during Monday night's loss to the Nets.

  Sexton is averaging 19.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in his first two games with Chicago.

  The Bulls are 0-3 since the trade deadline.

• Arturas Karnisovas: Bulls Prioritize Youth, Flexibility After Aggressive Trade Deadline

  Chicago Bulls vice president Arturas Karnisovas said Thursday the franchise executed seven trades before the deadline because the team was "not satisfied with being in the middle." The moves represented a dramatic shift for an organization stuck in mediocrity for four consecutive seasons.

  The Bulls deconstructed their roster in just a few days, trading top scorer Coby White, leading rebounder Nikola Vucevic, key reserves Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter, and former draft picks Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips.

  Chicago acquired guards Jaden Ivey, Rob Dillingham, Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons, along with Leonard Miller, Nick Richards, Guerschon Yabusele and nine second-round picks in return.

  "Being in the middle is what we don't want to do," Karnisovas told reporters after Thursday's deadline. "We've seen that for the past four years, and we want to change that."

  Karnisovas did not directly use the term rebuilding, calling it instead "a stage that we're in." He outlined the team's priorities as youth, financial flexibility and draft capital while identifying Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue as core players.

  "The play-in is not our goal," Karnisovas said. "A championship is. We know where we are in standings, and we are not satisfied with being in the middle as an organization or for our fans."

  Chicago sits in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, positioned to make the play-in tournament for the fourth consecutive season. The Bulls lost to the Miami Heat in three straight years and finished with 39 wins in each of the past two campaigns and 40 the year before.

  The franchise has been exactly 18-21 through 39 games in four straight seasons, a lack of progress that finally forced Karnisovas to act. Chicago began transitioning from the Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan era during the 2024 offseason by acquiring Giddey for Alex Caruso but moved much more aggressively this week.

  The Bulls did not receive a first-round pick in any of the seven deals. Karnisovas said he did not regret waiting until now to pursue a more complete overhaul.

  "The timing of it, the stage that we are in as a team, we started this last year," he said. "Going into this season, a lot of decisions had to be made with a lot of free agents."

  Thursday's activity marked a shift for Karnisovas, now in his sixth season as Chicago's lead executive. The Bulls went three seasons from 2022-24 without making a midseason move. Karnisovas has often resisted the value of draft picks, especially in the second round, but acknowledged Thursday that "draft picks are currency."

  "We've maintained sustained flexibility heading into the offseason," Karnisovas said. "That gives us real options, whether that's free agency, trades, the draft, or continuing investment in development. I believe you cannot have too many draft picks in terms of how you can operate for the future."

• Wolves Acquire Ayo Dosunmu From Bulls For Rob Dillingham, Four 2nd Rounders

  The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second round picks. The Wolves also acquired Julian Phillips from the the Bulls.

  Dosunmu, who is a pending restricted free agent, will address the Wolves' longstanding need to improve their backcourt beside Anthony Edwards.

  Dosunmu is represented by Mike Lindeman and was an early second round pick in the Bulls in 2021 to help fuel their fast start during the 2021-22 season before injuries derailed their chance of a playoff run.

  In 45 games this season, Dosunmu is averaging 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 45.1 percent on three-pointers.

  The Bulls have had an active trade deadline as they've also sent out Coby White and Nikola Vucevic while bringing back a pair of second draft candidates such as Jaden Ivey and Dillingham. The Bulls have now accrued nine second round picks with their trade deadline activity to date.

• Mac McClung, Bulls Signing Two-Way Contract

  The Chicago Bulls are signing point guard Mac McClung to a two-way contract. Chicago had a two-way spot open after trading Emanuel Miller to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier in the week.

  McClung has played for the Windy City Bulls of the G League this season. In 24 G League games, McClung has averaged 25.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

  This is McClung's final season of two-way contract eligibility. He had a previous callup with the Indiana Pacers this season. McClung has also played for the Bulls previously, in addition to the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic in the NBA.