The Chicago Bulls are 9-7 this season, and things have been bumpy recently. The Bulls went on a five-game losing streak, but won three of their four games last week. Injuries have been a main contributor to their up-and-down season.
The Bulls just got Coby White back from a calf injury, but he has only been back in the starting lineup for one game. Additionally, Josh Giddey missed a few games with an ankle injury, while Zach Collins has yet to make his season debut. Giddey and White are both healthy heading into Monday, but Chicago could be without one of their main scorers.
Per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Nikola Vucevic has landed on Chicago’s injury report with soreness in his right knee.
Nikola Vucevic This Season
Vucevic has been one of the most clutch players in the NBA this year. He has hit big shot after big shot, leading the Bulls to multiple victories. The 35-year-old hit the game-winning shots against the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers this year. He was also instrumental in Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards. He put up 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win.
On the season, Vooch is averaging 16.7 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. He has been below average on defense, but his impact on offense is undeniable. Vucevic ranks second on the Bulls in rebound percentage (21.5%), third in effective field goal percentage (57.2%), fourth in usage (21.5%), and third in three-point percentage (40.7%). The big man is having one of the best shooting years of his career, especially from beyond the arc.
Not having him on the court hurts the Bulls in more ways than one. Firstly, the defensive side of the court takes a hit. Now, Vucevic is by no means an above-average defender, but he does create problems in the paint while grabbing plenty of defensive rebounds.
In addition, the 15th-year veteran gives the Bulls size on the court. Standing 6-foot-9, Vucevic is the tallest player on the Bulls. Jalen Smith is his backup, but he is 6-foot-8. Chicago already lacks size, so losing Vucevic would be a big deal in the frontcourt.
Nikola Vucevic’s Health
Vucevic has been a relatively healthy player. He has played at least 70 games in each of the last five seasons. In fact, the Montenegrin center played 82 games in 2022/23, followed by 76 and 73 the following two years.
His knee soreness should not be considered a big deal. He has had to carry a heavy load for Chicago this season, but he is playing the fewest minutes per game since his 2017/18 year with the Orlando Magic. Coach Billy Donovan has been giving him his rest during the games, so he is not being overplayed.
As for his game status on Monday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, that is still up in the air. New Orleans is 2-15 on the year, so Chicago should be able to win without him in the lineup. But the one-win Wizards took the Bulls down to the wire, so no opponent can be taken lightly.
All that is known for now is Vucevic is questionable on Monday night. Even if he feels ready to go, expect Smith to still see a little bit more playing time.
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