Chicago Bulls' offense could struggle as DeMar DeRozan suffers grade 1 thigh strain
In what has been a season to remember for all the wrong reasons, the Chicago Bulls must now soldier on with uncertainty surrounding their best player DeMar DeRozan. This came to be after the veteran underwent an MRI scan which revealed a grade 1 thigh strain that will sideline him for the game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
Enough discomfort to keep DeRozan out
The 33-year-old is as dependable as they come, as he regularly plays through pain and injuries and hardly misses any games. And so, when he was ruled out for the Pacers game, panic spread among Bulls' fans. After all, thigh injuries almost always take a lot of time to heal. Bulls coach Billy Donovan downplayed the severity of the injury and said he trusts DeRozan enough to make the right call regarding his body.
"I don't think it's significant. But we'll see how he progresses and how he feels," Donovan said. "He knows his body well. He's always very conscientious about taking care of it. We hope with treatment and how diligent he is, he'll progress. But there's enough discomfort there for him where he's having a hard time moving and cutting and jumping."
Donovan added the medical staff's plan is to have DeRozan receive treatment on Tuesday and Wednesday and then determine after that if he can play in the second part of a back-to-back against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Losses piling up
The Bulls are struggling to build any sort of momentum in their efforts to make the playoffs, going 4-6 in their last 10 games. They desperately need DeRozan in the lineup if they are to have any hopes of playing in the postseason. DeRozan is averaging 25.4, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game—numbers that will not be easy to make up.
Chicago is already having a tough time on the offensive end, and now, with the veteran leader out of action, things will be even worse. Over their last 10 games, the Bulls have an offensive rating of 106.6, which is ranked 29th in the league. Chicago's saving grace, however, has been defense. With a defensive rating of 106.4—good for second in the league—they are giving themselves a chance in each and every game.
Still, the Bulls need DeMar DeRozan back in the lineup soon—not only for his play on the court but also to boost morale in an already difficult campaign. Everyone is hoping that he will complete a speedy recovery and then help steer this ship back on course.
