NEWSLETTER
For the first time since entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols on November 11th, Nikola Vucevic’s status has been upgraded on the injury report.
The Bulls’ starting center is now considered questionable for tomorrow night’s matchup in Houston. Head coach Billy Donovan announced after Monday night’s game that Vucevic would travel with the team in their brief two-game road trip, but he did not comment on when we can expect to see him take the floor.
The only thing that seems to be standing in between Vucevic and a green light is his conditioning. After missing seven games, there is no question it will take Vucevic a few practices to get caught back up to game speed. In fact, even if Vucevic does return to the floor Wednesday night, I would not be too shocked to see Donovan actively limit his minutes.
Regardless, having Vucevic back on the floor in any capacity will be a breath of fresh air. While the Bulls have been able to make up for his absence adequately, Monday night’s game reminded all of us of the big man’s importance. Chicago was absolutely demolished on the glass, 59-38, and the team also struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Vucevic will not only offer this team a much-needed rebounding presence but give them another important scoring option on the offensive end.
Alex Caruso’s availability for tomorrow night’s game is also in doubt. The defensive hound remains questionable on the latest injury report with a wrist contusion. Fortunately, Donovan didn’t seem to believe the injury was anything significant when speaking with reporters last night, so let’s hope he one night off is all Caruso needed to get back in good shape.
More on Caruso in here …
Brushing Off A Blowout, Missing Alex Caruso, Vucevic Expected to Travel, and Other Bulls Bulletshttps://t.co/jK1mu6s3N5
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) November 23, 2021
