Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan did not finish the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night due to a right quad strain. The team made the announcement not long after the veteran wingman checked out of the game early in the second half.
Never a good time for injuries
DeRozan’s injury comes at the worst time for the Bulls, who are currently fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament. They sit in 10th place in the standings and hold a slim game-and-a-half lead over the 11th-place Indiana Pacers. DeRozan did not look right all game long as he finished with a season-low four points, missing all seven of his attempts from the field.
Fortunately, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said he hadn’t gotten word from their medical team of any severe injury that would sideline DeRozan for a long time.
“I’m always concerned because he’s been dealing with it, but I haven’t gotten anything that’s indicated he’s going to be out any length of time,” Donovan said.
However, Donovan added that it also could not be discounted that these injuries to DeRozan and, similarly, Alex Caruso have put them in a position where they can’t perform at the level they’re used to.
“I think when you have a recurring thing that he’s been having to manage and deal with, it’s like Alex (Caruso). Listen, most guys aren’t totally healthy this time of year. But they’re healthy enough to go on the court and perform and work through it. I think for Alex and DeMar, they’re at a place right now where they physically can’t perform like they want to or need to for us.,” the coach added.
Blowout game
The game’s score also played a role in the decision to get DeRozan out of the game early. DeRozan has been as dependable as he’s ever been this season, although he’s missed three games in January due to a quad issue and another two in February because of a thigh injury.
“I think he’s feeling OK. It’s just something that kind of comes and goes,” Bulls center Nikola Vucevic said. “He didn’t want to force it too much.”
Source: yardbarker.com
