The Bulls season isn’t over just yet. However, the writing is on the wall. This team has looked horrible over the last two games against the Bucks losing by 30 & 24. They meet again on Wednesday in Milwaukee down 3-1 in the series. While the Bulls still have some fight left in them they will, unfortunately, be without a key member.
Bulls say star Zach LaVine has entered health and safety protocols.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2022
As if things couldn’t get worse for this team, shooting guard Zach LaVine is likely going to miss game 5. That now means the two starting guards during the playoffs in LaVine and Alex Caruso will likely be out for this game. With the Bulls already struggling against the Bucks, this isn’t going to help them. There’s still a slight possibility that LaVine could play but I wouldn’t bank on that happening.
LaVine could potentially still play
There is still a scenario where LaVine is on the court tomorrow night for the Bulls. It’s highly unlikely but it’s possible.
LaVine obviously won’t travel with Bulls when they bus to Milwaukee today. Team/LaVine will follow league procedure for follow-up testing in advance of Game 5. Obviously, LaVine’s availability is in serious jeopardy.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 26, 2022
Under the league’s protocols if LaVine tests negative on two separate tests over 24 hours he would be able to play. That would likely mean that LaVine would need to test negative this afternoon and then again tomorrow before the game tips off. That would mean we likely wouldn’t get that news until right before tip-off. My assumption is if LaVine has a positive test today we will hear about it and he will officially be ruled out for the game. While this hurts the team right now it’s also going to impact LaVine as the team heads into the offseason. There’s been a lot of speculation over LaVine’s long-term status with the Bulls and him missing a playoff game won’t help that.
LaVine’s future with the Bulls
I’m in the camp that says sign LaVine to the supermax contract and move on. I know this opinion has become less popular over the Bull’s 4 playoff games due to LaVine’s performance. There are a few reasons why the team should do this but number 1 is who will you get instead of LaVine that will elevate the franchise? LaVine has shown over his tenure with the Bulls that he can be an All-Star and a core piece that a team can build around. He had a tough year with injuries and COVID. That doesn’t mean he’s all of the sudden a bad player. He’s on the court playing whenever he can and giving everything to the Bulls.
Hey, just a quick thought here….
Zach LaVine didn’t want to miss the game.
He didn’t choose to test positive or whatever happened.
You can question his play on the court, but to question if he wants to be out there is asinine.
— Buzz (@BuzzOnTap) April 26, 2022
You aren’t going to get a player of his caliber anywhere in the open market. If you are going to try and trade for someone of his caliber then you will be giving up a ton of assets. LaVine is a great player and he’s going to give everything he can to the Bulls. Why not capitalize on that and keep him in Chicago long-term? This team didn’t even get a full season healthy with each other. Let’s see what the starters can do with Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, & DeMar DeRozan. Unfortunately, LaVine had injuries and multiple COVID problems this year but that doesn’t take away from how good of a player he is. Bulls fans need to remember that when going into the offseason. Either way, let’s hope for the best from the Bulls. Maybe they can pull off an upset and LaVine will make it back for game 6. Spirits are pretty low in Chicago as the team heads to Milwaukee. After two beatdowns at home it’s hard to expect anything different from this team tomorrow night.
