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Zach LaVine listed as questionable for Chicago Bulls' season opener vs. Miami Heat
The Chicago Bulls will be taking on the Miami Heat for their season-opener on Wednesday, and it looks like they may have to do it without Zach LaVine.
According to the latest injury report, LaVine is listed as questionable heading into the game. Being listed with a "questionable" tag means that there is a 50/50 chance that LaVine will be able to play on Wednesday. This could be a huge blow to the Bulls as the team looks to get their campaign off to a victorious start.
Offseason knee surgery
This development is surprising, considering that LaVine shared during training camp that he was pain-free and felt good out on the floor. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee during the offseason and spent the summer going through strength and rehabilitation in preparation for the 2022-2023 season.
"The main thing is I'm healthy and I feel really good and I'm getting to know the new offense and new team. Not having any aches and pains and being able to play without any limitations in my own mind is huge," said LaVine.
LaVine will have a substantial role for the Bulls this season, teaming up with DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic to form the team's "big three." He averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season and is expected to take on more playmaking duties in the absence of lead guard Lonzo Ball who is out indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery in late September.
Road trip to South Beach
Also on the injury report is reserve guard Alex Caruso. The defensive ace has a "probable" tag despite a left calf contusion. The Bulls are heading to Miami with a relatively healthy roster, with four of the five starters — DeRozan, Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, and Patrick Williams — raring to go.
Chicago will have their hands full against a Heat squad that will trot out All-Stars Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry, and Sixth Man of the Year winner Tyler Herro. Miami will be missing veteran wingman Victor Oladipo and Omar Yurtseven, who are out with knee and ankle injuries.
