© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls list Alex Caruso as "questionable" for game vs. Utah Jazz
The Chicago Bulls may be starting their West Coast road trip without one of their vital cogs. Alex Caruso, who has been a reliable presence for the Bulls this season in both a starting and reserve role, has been listed as questionable for Chicago's upcoming game against the Utah Jazz.
Sprained ankle
Caruso sprained his right ankle in their last game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said that he noticed something was off with Caruso during the game, but the latter told him he would power through it. However, when overtime came in a game that the Bulls ultimately lost, 119-123, Caruso himself asked to be taken out.
"I just know there was a point in regulation where I could tell his foot was bothering him. And he said he felt like he could still go. The last two minutes of overtime, it looked like he planted and I could tell he winced pretty severely. He said, 'You gotta take me out.' He didn't feel like he could move well enough," said Donovan.
The good news is that the Bulls' medical team does not think the injury is severe. Donovan did not rule out Caruso's presence for Monday's tiff against Utah, especially after the five-year guard got some shots up during Sunday's practice session at the Advocate Center.
Backcourt depth
Should Caruso find himself on the sidelines for the game against the Jazz, the Bulls have several choices to soak up the available minutes. There's Coby White — the hero of the Bulls' win over Milwaukee — who recently returned from an eight-game absence. Veteran Goran Dragic could also slide in and play extra minutes. Whoever Donovan chooses to go with, the Bulls will need someone to step up and deliver.
Caruso's numbers may not jump off the page, but his presence on the court has been valuable for Chicago this season. The Bulls will be hoping he can make a speedy recovery from the ankle sprain and be ready to go against Utah. Until then, all eyes will be on their backcourt depth to see if they can fill in for him adequately.
