NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bulls will exit the All-Star break a lot healthier than they entered it.
According to the NBA’s latest official injury report, the team will have back DeMar DeRozan, Derrick Jones Jr., and Alex Caruso when they return to action on Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets. DeRozan had missed the Bulls’ previous two contests before the All-Star break due to a hip issue.
As for Caruso, he’ll return from a foot injury that has flared up a couple of times over the past few weeks. He missed two of the team’s last three games and four of their last eight. As the team’s best defender and a consistent plus-contributor, having him back on the floor and fully healthy for a playoff push will be crucial.
Jones Jr. – like DeRozan – also sat out the Bulls’ last two games. Head coach Billy Donovan has relied on him heavily in the absence of Javonte Green, especially in small-ball lineups where Jones Jr.’s athleticism and verticality have made him a threat in transition and as a roll man.
The only player who remains on the injury report from before the break – besides those with long-term injuries like Lonzo Ball and Green – is Goran Dragic. He will enter tomorrow night’s contest as questionable with left knee soreness. Regardless of his status, however, it will be interesting to see if he gets much playing time moving forward. Not only has he already seen his minutes shrink in recent weeks, but the addition of Patrick Beverley likely bumped him down the totem pole.
In fact, I’ll also have my eye on how often Jones Jr. is used over the next couple of weeks. While I suspect that Donovan will still favor him as a frontcourt piece, it’s possible he too is seen less frequently as Beverley begins to eat up minutes.
Anyway, it’s at least good to know this group will enter these final 23 games relatively healthy. I may not believe in their ability to make the playoffs at this point, but their chance is at least better with these guys back on the floor.
More on the Bulls’ difficult road to the playoffs below …
