The Chicago Bulls received terrible news on Tuesday night as an MRI exam revealed that starting center Nikola Vucevic has suffered a strained left groin. According to Bulls coach Billy Donovan, the team does not have a firm timeline for the big man’s return, although they hope it isn’t long-term.
Iron man
Vucevic’s absence from Tuesday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks marks his first absence since the 2021-2022 season. He played in all 82 games for the Bulls last season, helping them get within a game of the NBA Playoffs.
The injury happened during the Bulls’ most recent game against the Cavaliers of Cleveland. Max Strus, a forward for the Cavaliers, drove to the basket and dunked the ball in Vooch’s face during the third quarter of that match. Nevertheless, the damage came from Strus’ knee making contact with the big man’s groin.
When asked about Vooch’s projected comeback date, Donovan replied, “A lot of it is going to be how he responds to rehab.”
“He was obviously over Christmas and somewhat sore after the game on Saturday. On Tuesday, he arrived for his treatment.”
Big loss
The Bulls are already playing without several key players, with Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig not expected to return soon. Vucevic joins them on the sidelines, and his averages of 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists will be tricky to replicate. The versatile big man also ranks tenth in the league in double-doubles with 17.
The Bulls slotted former All-Star Andre Drummond in the Bulls’ starting five against the Hawks on Tuesday night. However, this presents a dilemma for Donovan as Chicago doesn’t have a reliable third-string big man.
“When Andre comes off the floor, we’re going to have to be somewhat small,” Donovan said.
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