What the Heck is Going on With Zach LaVine!? Miami’s Injury Report, Ayo Meets Obama, and Other Bulls Bullets

Welp, let’s talk about the massive smelly deadly elephant that is in the room!

The Chicago Bulls announced on Wednesday morning that Zach LaVine would sit out the season opener in Miami. Of course, the news comes after LaVine played through a significant knee issue that required offseason surgery.

Up until this point, LaVine and the Bulls have been nothing but positive about his return to play. While at least some level of injury management should have been expected for the recently maxed player, there was no indication given that LaVine would be at risk of missing tonight’s big game.

Alas … here we are.

  • You don’t call for “injury management” on the first game of the season – at least not after implying that everything was fine and dandy. Additionally, why in the world would the team let LaVine participate fully in training camp and play in three of the four preseason games as opposed to saving him for the games that matter? Don’t get me wrong, I understand that ramping up is important, but I’d rather have him do that in limited minutes over the first few regular season games than waste energy in several meaningless contests.
  • Indeed, the way this has been handled is extremely concerning and sketchy. Even if LaVine stood in front of reporters shortly after the announcement was made to ensure that he hasn’t experienced any setbacks, it’s extremely difficult for me to fully believe that. There is obviously some level of concern about what could happen if LaVine takes the floor tonight; otherwise, this decision simply wouldn’t have been made.
  • Also, will all due respect to LaVine, I don’t trust him when he suggests that everything is ok. He’s the same guy who fought to play through both his thumb and knee injuries last season. As admirable as that is, it surely doesn’t instill much confidence in me when he downplays a situation like this. We know he prefers to play through pain, but being transparent about whether or not he’s experiencing it (especially after offseason surgery) is extremely important.
  • I’m all for taking a cautious approach to the start of LaVine’s season. I want to make that clear. But the lack of this specific possibility in any previous public conversation is concerning. We were basically made to think that LaVine was 100 percent ready to go for the start of the year. The sudden reversal of that expectations makes it feel as if there is more going on here than what’s being shared. I hope that isn’t the case, and the team can somehow ensure us of that soon.
  • I’m not in the mood to get hyped right now, Bulls.
  • Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have currently listed both Victor Oladipo and big man Omer Yurtseven as out for tonight’s opener. Everyone else for the reigning No. 1 seed is good to go.
  • As great as a win would be to start the season, all I’m looking for tonight is a competitive effort, especially with LaVine now sidelined. The Bulls struggled mightily in three of the four games they played against Miami last season thanks to the Heat’s two-way savvy and defensive physicality. The hope is that familiarity can help Chicago play the kind of disciplined basketball that is needed to take down this squad. They must limit turnovers (Miami scored 7th-most points off TOVs last season), control the pace of play, and score efficiently down low (Miami allowed the fewest points in the paint last season).
  • With LaVine out, maybe a door has opened for Dalen Terry to find his way onto the court tonight.
  • I can assure you that I will be using these.
  • Ayo Dosunmu got the opportunity of a lifetime earlier this week. While leading a panel discussion for 60 local high school kids, Barack Obama made a surprise appearance. The hometown kid told NBC Sports Chicago that he was “honored” and “blessed” for the experience, and you can see a couple photos from the event below:
  • Should the Bulls just tank for Wemby? (I’m kidding … maybe)
  • I mean, might as well, right?
  • SO MUCH TRADE TALK!
  • written by

    Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

    more bulls news

    Best Defense of the Season, Playing Big, Javonte Green’s Instant Impact, and Other Bulls Bullets

    Lose to the 14-win Wizards one game and hold the Pacers' elite offense to their worst performance of the season the next. Your 2023-24 Chicago Bulls, everyone! As I said in last night's Enhanced Box Score, I'm now even more...

    WOW: Minnesota Timberwolves Sale to Alex Rodriguez Falls Through

    The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a bomb on Thursday morning. According to a statement released by the Timberwolves and Lynx ownership group, the franchise is no longer for sale. A transition of power was thought to be in place over the...

    Enhanced Box Score: Bulls 125, Pacers 99 – March 27, 2024

    I got to be honest, I'm even more upset about the Washington Wizards' loss. If the Chicago Bulls played like they did tonight, they would have beaten that depleted Wizards team by 40. This was a locked-in group from the...

    Javonte Green Makes Bulls Return… Immediately Does Awesome Stuff

    Javonte Green has officially made his Chicago Bulls debut ... again. The 30-year-old signed with the organization via a 10-day hardship deal on March 22. Injuries to Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Julian Phillips paved the way for...

    WATCH: Alex Caruso Snatches Rookie Ben Sheppard’s Ankles

    Alex Caruso will always be known for his defense capabilities, but he's showing a lot more than that this season. The veteran guard is averaging double-digit points for the first time in his career. A big part of that has...

    Draymond Green Ejected Less Than 4 Minutes Into Game Against Orlando

    Draymond Green was at it again on Wednesday night. Out East to take on the Orlando Magic, the Golden State Warriors watched Paolo Banchero bulldoze Andrew Wiggins to the rim early in the first quarter. As Banchero high-fived his teammates...

    Pre-Gamin’: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (7:00 CT), Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

    Everything was awful on Tuesday. Be Better. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1772971933161705610?s=20 Game Info Indiana Pacers (41-32) at Chicago Bulls (34-38) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Projected Starting Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Alex Caruso Ayo Dosunmu...

    Around the Association: Caitlin Clark Gets Big(3) Offer, Knicks Getting Help, Lakers OT Thriller, More

    It's hard to believe we have less than three weeks remaining in the NBA's regular season, and we should be in for some real drama down the stretch. The Knicks have plenty to play for in their remaining 11 games...

    WHOA: NCAA Looking to Ban Prop Betting on All College Athletes

    As the NCAA men's basketball tournament gears up for the Sweet Sixteen, the college sports world received some big news. On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that NCAA president Charlie Baker wants to officially ban prop betting on college...

    NBA Playoffs Update: Several Races Are Still Undecided

    The NBA season is winding down. We have some awesome races for the NBA Playoffs to keep an eye on in the final 2+ weeks of the season. The top seed in the West is still up for grabs in...

    Latest News

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    Braves vs. Phillies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Ronald Acuna Jr. and the Atlanta Braves take on Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Atlanta...

    Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    On Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trey.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksJonas Valanciunas' over/under for three-pointers in this game:...

    Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

    The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Arizona Diamondbacks look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-226) in a season-opening matchup with the Colorado Rockies. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on ARID, live from Chase Field.Arizona's Zac Gallen...

    Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Seattle Mariners look to start their season with a win as home favorites (-155) in a season-opening matchup with the Boston Red Sox. First pitch is on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET on NESN, live from T-Mobile Park.Luis Castillo...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Cleveland Guardians begin their season as -156 favorites in a road tilt against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA.Cleveland's Shane Bieber gets the start, and he'll go against Oakland's Alex Wood.Guardians vs. Athletics...

    Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Will Damian Lillard make four 3-pointers when the Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his prop for the game.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for...

    Brook Lopez Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, Brook Lopez needs to make two from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Milwaukee Bucks meet the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET.Brook Lopez's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansBrook Lopez's...

    more bulls news