NEWSLETTER
If you’ve been anxiously awaiting more Henri Drell minutes, I’ve got good news for you!
The Chicago Bulls’ latest injury report suggests that the team will proceed with extra caution over the final two games of the regular season. And rightfully so. The Bulls clinched the No. 9 seed with a victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, thus securing home-court advantage in next week’s Play-In matchup with Atlanta. With that in mind, they aren’t playing for much over the next two contests.
If anything, losing two in a row to end the year might be the preferred outcome. While I highly doubt the players and coaching staff will view things that way, lottery odds are at stake. Stacking some wins could potentially mean moving out of 11th and stealing 12th from the Rockets. This would move their odds at a top 4 slot from 9.4 percent to 7.1 percent, per Tankathon. I know that sure doesn’t sound like a lot, but every ping-pong ball counts!
Anyway, here is a look at the Bulls’ extension injury report coming into tonight’s meeting with the Washington Wizards.
Even though Alex Caruso is questionable, my expectation would be that Billy Donovan gives him the night off. Whether it’s the Wizards or the Celtics, we know Caruso will play with the same tenacity, so this coaching staff needs to consider saving him from himself. Especially in a battle against Atlanta’s talented backcourt, having Caruso as healthy as possible is a priority.
I’m a bit surprised that we don’t see Coby White on the list, but I guess the Bulls need SOMEONE out there. This group is already shorthanded as is, and he does have the youngest legs out of the bunch. Still, we should have our eye on Sunday as a possible off-day for White. He’s played the third-most minutes in the NBA this season, so there is no question he’s earned a break.
The Wizards injury report is just as lengthy. The tanking team will be without multiple starters against the Bulls, including their top scorer Kyle Kuzma. Here is a look …
Yup, this game is going to be a mess! Good thing I’m off tonight and tagged Matt to cover the game. Sorry not sorry, pal!
