NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bulls will be without Nikola Vucevic for at least a few more games.
After entering the day as questionable due to a groin injury, the Bulls ruled Vucevic out prior to their matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. The Athletic’s Shams Charania has now reported that Vucevic is expected to miss somewhere between 7-10 days with the issue.
The Chicago Bulls have won nine of their last 13 games, and Vucevic’s reliability has been a huge part of that. He’s averaged 18.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over his previous 12 games. His effort on the offensive glass proved to be particularly important, as the Bulls have held the league’s third-best OREB% since Nov. 30.
Vucevic is now positioned to miss the next four games against the Pacers, 76ers (x2), and Knicks. He could also miss the Bulls’ first of two matchups against the Charlotte Hornets if he leans more toward the latter half of the return timetable. The good news for Chicago is that Andre Drummond looked more than capable of holding down the fort with 24 points and 25 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks.
But, still, these are some very tough games coming up against some big and physical teams. Not great timing.
