This afternoon, head coach Billy Donovan told reporters that Javonte Green sat out of practice ahead of tomorrow night’s battle with the Orlando Magic.
Green apparently tweaked his ankle in last night’s 130-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The versatile forward could be seen grimacing at times throughout the game, but Donovan chalked that up to banged ribs during the postgame press conference.
Javonte Green did not practice today after tweaking his ankle in last night's game. Ribs were not an issue after his apparent injury yesterday.
Billy Donovan says they aren't worried about it being "too serious" but he's questionable for tomorrow.
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) January 31, 2022
Javonte Green tweaked his ankle yesterday, didn't practice today. Billy Donovan said he'll know more about his status vs. Magic later today or tomorrow
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) January 31, 2022
The good news is that holding Green out of practice seemed more precautionary than anything. The official injury report has yet to come through the wire, but the consensus is that Green should currently be considered questionable for Monday’s game.
Not only is Green coming off a season-high 16 points against the Portland Trail Blazers last night, but he has easily been one of the team’s most pesky defenders. With Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr., and Patrick Williams all sidelined with significant injuries, plenty of pressure to cover up defensive mistakes has fallen on Green’s athletic shoulders.
The game before he returned to action, the Bulls played the same Magic team they will see tomorrow night, losing by 19 points while allowing the bigger and more physical Wagner brothers to dominate. Green could be a big help in matching this youthful and frisky Magic energy, so let’s hope this off day is all he needed to get back to 100 percent.
Update (3:37)
The NBA’s official injury report now lists Green as “probable” for tomorrow night’s game against the Magic. Good news for the Bulls who will hope to start a win-streak heading into a couple of more winnable games this week.