Vucevic notched 16 points (7-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt), 14 rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals over 35 minutes during Friday's 112-91 Play-In Game loss to the Heat.
Vucevic turned in a valiant effort in Friday's elimination game, but the Heat cruised to a big victory with the help of Tyler Herro and Jamie Jaquez. Vucevic was held in check offensively along with the rest of the Chicago squad, as the Bulls were held to 91 points on 38.0 percent shooting from the field. The 33-year-old closed the season with four consecutive double-doubles.
... See More... See Less
Bulls' Javonte Green: Adds 12 points off bench
Rotowire
Green closed Friday's 112-91 Play-In Game loss to the Heat with 12 points (5-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, three assists and two steals over 17 minutes.
Green led Chicago's bench with 12 points, but his effort wasn't enough to help his team advance to the opening round of the postseason. He finished the 2023-24 campaign on a high note by putting up 10 or more points in seven of eight appearances over his final month of action.
... See More... See Less
Bulls' DeMar DeRozan: Solid showing in season-ending loss
Rotowire
DeRozan ended Friday's 112-91 Play-In Game loss to the Heat with 22 points (8-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 41 minutes.
DeRozan did his part as his squad looked to advance to the opening round of the postseason, knocking down 50.0 percent of his tries from the field while contributing on the defensive end. He went on an impressive run to end the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 29.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals over his last six appearances.
... See More... See Less
Bulls' Ayo Dosunmu: Good to go Friday
Rotowire
Dosunmu (quad) is available for Friday's Play-In Game against the Heat, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Despite missing the final four games of the regular season, Dosunmu played 41 minutes in Wednesday's Play-In victory over Atlanta, putting up 19 points, three assists, two blocks and a rebound. After playing over 40 minutes Wednesday, the Bulls are not expected to limit the 24-year-old's minutes, especially in a win-or-go-home scenario.
Caruso (ankle) is available for Friday's Play-In Game against Miami.
There was initial concern regarding the severity of Caruso's ankle injury that he suffered Wednesday against Atlanta, but he was examined further Thursday, which showed reduced swelling. He said Friday morning that he expected to play against the Heat, and he's officially been cleared to suit up in the win-or-go-home matchup. Over his six appearances this month, he's averaged 8.8 points, 5.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 32.3 minutes per game.
... See More... See Less
Bulls' Andre Drummond: Available Friday
Rotowire
Drummond (ankle) is available for Friday's Play-In Game against the Heat, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Drummond missed the final three games of the regular season with a left ankle sprain but returned to action for Wednesday's victory over Atlanta, putting up four points, four rebounds, three blocks and a steal in 11 minutes. In a win-or-go-home scenario, the Bulls may limit Drummond's playing time again, especially if Nikola Vucevic stays out of foul trouble.
Caruso (ankle), who is questionable for Friday's Play-In Game against the Heat, said that he expects to play in the matchup, Jamal Collier of ESPN.com reports.
Caruso was initially believed to have a significant left ankle sprain, but he experienced reduced swelling Thursday. It appears increasingly likely that the 30-year-old will be available for Friday's win-or-go-home matchup, but the Bulls will likely continue to monitor him in the hours leading up to tipoff.
Bulls' Alex Caruso: Likely to be game-time decision
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle), who is questionable for Friday's Play-In Game against the Heat, underwent further evaluation Thursday that revealed reduced swelling, creating increased optimism that he'll be available for the win-or-go-home matchup against Miami, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Wojnarowski reported Wednesday night that Caruso had sustained a "significant" left ankle sprain against Atlanta, which put his availability for Friday's matchup in doubt. However, the 30-year-old appears to be trending in the right direction and will likely be a game-time decision as the Bulls attempt to secure the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. If Caruso is unavailable against Miami, Javonte Green, Torrey Craig and Dalen Terry could see additional playing time.
Phillips (foot) has been ruled out for Friday's Play-In Game against the Heat.
Phillips continues to deal with a right mid foot sprain and will be unavailable as the Bulls attempt to secure the No. 8 seed Friday. Even if the Bulls advance to the first round of the playoffs, it seems unlikely that Phillips will be able to return.
... See More... See Less
Bulls' Andre Drummond: Iffy for Friday
Rotowire
Drummond (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Play-In Game against Miami.
Drummond returned to action for Wednesday's Play-In Game against Atlanta after missing the final three games of the regular season due to a sprained left ankle. He tallied four points (2-4 FG), four rebounds, three blocks and one steal in 11 minutes in the Bulls' 131-116 win. Though he's listed as questionable heading into Friday's contest, Drummond will most likely be available to serve as the Bulls' backup center in a win-or-go-home game for both teams.
... See More... See Less
Bulls' Alex Caruso: Questionable to play Friday
Rotowire
Caruso (ankle) is questionable to play Friday against the Heat.
The Bulls are facing a win-or-go-home scenario Friday against the Heat, and the potential loss of Caruso would be massive due to his ability on defense and contributions across the board. However, he's dealing with a "significant" ankle sprain, so his status against Miami is in doubt, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports. Javonte Green, Torrey Craig and Dalen Terry would be the main candidates to take on more minutes if Caruso ends up being ruled out.
... See More... See Less
Bulls' Ayo Dosunmu: Questionable for Friday
Rotowire
Dosunmu (quadriceps) is questionable for Friday's Play-In Game against Miami.
Dosunmu sat out the final four games of the regular season due to a right quadriceps contusion but returned to action to begin the Play-In Tournament in Wednesday's 131-116 win over Atlanta. He tallied 19 points, three assists, two blocks and one rebound in 41 minutes in his return to action, and he should see plenty of playing time if he's cleared to play once again, especially if Alex Caruso (ankle) is unavailable.
Bulls' DeMar DeRozan: Flirts with double-double in win
Rotowire
DeRozan ended with 22 points (10-19 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, nine assists, one block and one steal over 44 minutes during Wednesday's 131-116 Play-In Game victory over the Hawks.
DeRozan put together another successful year during his third season with the Bulls. Perhaps the biggest feather in DeRozan's cap is his attendance record, as he's played at least 74 games per season over three years in Chicago. The veteran will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, and the Bulls will likely make a competitive offer unless another team presents an irresistible package. For the time being, DeRozan's focus will be on advancing with a win against Miami.
