Yesterday, Chandler Hutchison sat out of the Bulls 109-89 victory over the Detroit Pistons with sore shins (say “sore shins” ten times fast). Now, it looks like the Bulls second-year small forward will miss his second-straight game.
Sigh:
Jim Boylen said Chandler Hutchison has shin splints and is doubtful vs. Heat. Strus stays with Bulls.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 21, 2019
Boylen told the media earlier today that Hutchison had shin splints and he’ll be listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s tilt against the Miami Heat. A second-straight absence from Hutchison felt plausible after Boylen said there was no plan to alter the starting lineup for this weekend’s back-to-back set, but missing another game would be disappointing nonetheless.
With that said … Hutchison’s “doubtful” designation is at least somewhat encouraging that the injury isn’t too severe, even if it still feels possible he could miss both games this weekend.
While it remains worrisome that the Bulls’ first two options at the small forward position are sidelined with injury, Shaquille Harrison did come out strong in relief last night. In total, he recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds against the Pistons, while playing with a level of energy the Bulls have been missing to start the season.
Jimmy Butler and his 10-3 Miami Heat will be a tough task for the short-handed Bulls this Friday. Then, it’ll be all about revenge on Saturday, when the Bulls try to take down the Charlotte Hornets (please beat them).