The start of the 2023-34 for the Chicago Bulls has not gone as planned. The Bulls sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 9-16 record.
With star point guard Lonzo Ball already missing the entire season as he recovers from surgery, the Bulls really couldn’t afford any more injury trouble. Unfortunately, the basketball gods had other ideas and now Zach LaVine is on the shelf for a few weeks with right foot inflammation. Grim news for the Bulls’ playoff chances.
In fact, the Bulls have been one of the most injured teams so far this season. IllinoisBet.com – your source for Illinois sportsbooks - broke down the numbers when it comes to games missed league wide.
Games Missed This Season by NBA Players
Last Thing Bulls Need
The Bulls are in the top 10 of the IllinoisBet.com list of most player games missed due to injury per team. LaVine being out is particularly frustrating for the Bulls, as trade rumors are currently swirling around the oft-injured superstar. He has been floated as a possible option for the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly looking to add another scorer to their arsenal. With a big contract and injury woes, a return to health is crucial to Chicago’s ability to secure a trade for LaVine.
LaVine’s injury is complicated, as he has had inflammation on the lateral part of his foot and has received a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection in an attempt to get back on the court. Trade partners aside, the Bulls also need to get healthy so they can begin to win games.
What Bulls Need for Success
The Bulls’ current odds to make the playoffs sit at +450 at ESPN Bet Illinois, signifying that the team is in for a tough grind going forward, especially with the uncertainty around LaVine. Surprisingly, the team has played well so far without LaVine. Chicago won its first four games without LaVine before losses to strong opponents in the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets.
DeMar DeRozan will need to step up considering the Bulls’ absences. DeRozan has gotten help from an unexpected source this year with Coby White taking a major leap. With the ball in his hands more than ever with the injury to LaVine, White has responded in a big way and was a key contributor in their winning streak, He is solidifying himself as a starting point guard in the NBA.
DeRozan, White and power forward Patrick Williams are the keys to the Bulls’ success moving forward while they wait for Ball to regain health and for LaVine to either return or be traded for assets.
It is early enough for Chicago to make a run for the playoffs. Despite the injury woes they’ve encountered, it appears they might have the players to do so. IllinoisBet.com will be following the Bulls all season, as well as providing sportsbook promos Illinois.
