
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) drives to the basket while Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) defends during the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) drives to the basket while Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) defends during the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls have endured a horrendous start to the 2023-24 season. Their poor start to the season has extinguished their hopes of making it to the playoffs. For Bulls fans, the current situation is less than ideal, facing a roster with a ceiling that may only reach a play-in spot at best. Additionally, the team’s limited future draft picks add to the challenges, making the outlook for fans less optimistic. However, their overtime win over the title-contending Bucks has given fans hope and optimism.
The Bulls face the Pelicans in their next game later tonight. However, there is uncertainty regarding the participation of star player Zach LaVine in the match-up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Zach LaVine to be sidelined for a week
Zach LaVine picked up a right ankle injury in a home game against the Heat on 20th November. LaVine tried to play through the injury in the following games. But, he was benched early on in a blowout loss against the Celtics. Even during his time on the court, his mobility seemed limited, resulting in a mere 2 points over 25 minutes of play.

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts after scoring in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Following their defeat to the Boston Celtics, LaVine said, “It felt a little better and just progressively got worse. It just didn’t make sense to continue to risk it. It hurts. When you suit up, no one cares about that. I’ve played through a lot of stuff before. But it didn’t make sense with the way it was feeling to keep going.” According to recent reports, LaVine will miss a further week due to the injury. He already missed Chicago’s thrilling win against the Bucks.
Apart from LaVine, the Bulls will also miss the services of multiple key players. The Bulls have listed DeMar DeRozan as questionable due to an ankle injury. However, they haven’t given a timeline for Lonzo Ball’s return from a knee injury he suffered in January 2022. With several key players missing, how will the Bulls line up look like?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Chicago’s predicted lineup vs the Pelicans
The Bulls would look to build momentum, after their thrilling overtime victory against the Bucks. However, with key players sidelined through injury, they have their work cut out. New Orleans Pelicans, are currently in excellent form, having secured victories in 7 of their last 10 matches. It will be interesting to see how they will match up to them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Bulls will count on the raucous support of their home fans at the United Center to secure an improbable victory against an in-form team. They would start the game with Ayo Dosunmu, Cody White, Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams, and Nikola Vucevic. Can the Bulls secure a victory? Let us know in the comments below!
Watch this Story: Shaquille O’Neal Threatens Stephen A. Smith After New Studio Debut: “Im a Have to Call TEX JOHNSON”
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT