NEWSLETTER
The Bulls will likely be without their best defender tonight in a battle with the Boston Celtics.
The team’s latest injury report listed Alex Caruso as “doubtful” with a “left low back contusion.” Caruso has been dealing with a back issue for a handful of games now, which has caused head coach Billy Donovan to watch his minutes closely. The veteran even sat out of practice earlier this week to rest up, and it appears the team will now opt to give him additional rest ahead of the playoffs.
With the team clinching a playoff berth last night, it’s not hard to imagine both Caruso and the trainers prefer to take the cautious approach on the backend of a back-to-back. Both Caruso and Donovan have stressed that this should not be a long-term problem that keeps Caruso off the floor, but they can further ensure that is the case by limiting his workload over this final week.
Zach LaVine (knee), Derrick Jones Jr (knee)., Javonte Green (quad), and Matt Thomas (leg) also found their way onto the Bulls’ most recent injury report. However, all are currently listed as probable for tonight’s contest.
I thought we might see the team opt to rest LaVine for a second-straight game with the postseason clinched, but perhaps they have their sights set on trying to scoop up one more big win over a top-4 team to round out the regular season. Not only could a victory help gain some much-needed momentum, but it could push the Boston Celtics further down the standings and help set up a first-round series between the two squads.
