CHICAGO — After undergoing an MRI on his left knee Saturday morning, the Chicago Bulls said star guard Zach LaVine isn’t expected to miss “significant time” as he recovers from a non-structural injury.
But any absence is significant for the Bulls as they attempt to correct a free fall of three losses in four games with seven players sidelined by injury.
LaVine exited in the first quarter Friday against the Golden State Warriors. The injury appeared to happen after LaVine went up for an offensive rebound. He walked to the locker room on his own and didn’t need a chair or assistance.
The MRI confirmed “no significant structural damage” in LaVine’s left knee, according to a Bulls statement. Coach Billy Donovan said LaVine played through swelling and discomfort in his knee throughout the last two weeks.
“He came down a little funny and he’s got some discomfort there right now and they want to take a look,” Donovan said after the game. “He didn’t feel like he could return. ... The length and the duration of the season, the number of games, these guys are always dealing with different issues.”
The team has not released a timeline for LaVine’s recovery. Knee injuries have been a concern for LaVine since he tore the ACL in his left knee while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017.
The Bulls are beginning to feel the pressure of a diminished roster as injuries pile up. Derrick Jones Jr. hyperextended his right knee Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.
The injury will sidelined Jones for 2-4 weeks. Jones is the third Bulls power forward to land on the injury report after Javonte Green and Patrick Williams. Those injuries stripped the Bulls in the paint, forcing the team to play severely undersized whenever Nikola Vučević isn’t on the court.
Guard depth hasn’t fared much better. Lonzo Ball is questionable for Saturday night’s game against the Boston Celtics because of left knee soreness. If he isn’t ready to play in Boston, the Bulls will face the Celtics without seven injured players, including three starters.
The team still is awaiting Alex Caruso’s clearance from COVID-19 protocols. Caruso was sidelined for several weeks with a foot injury before contracting the virus. His return will bolster the defense and refurbish some guard depth.
Defense is a key focus for the Bulls as they attempt to balance the recent skid since their 9-game winning streak. The Bulls allowed the Nets and Warriors to score more than 130 points in back-to-back games as defensive depth slows the team’s strong start to the new year.
Saturday’s game completes another brutal cycle of five games in seven days, including two back-to-back matchups.
