Chicago Bulls list DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso as questionable to play vs. the Portland Trail Blazers

The Chicago Bulls kick off a three-game road trip on Friday when they take on Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Bulls, though, may be without All-Star wingman DeMar DeRozan and defensive specialist Alex Caruso who the team listed as questionable to play in the crucial match-up.

Bulls list DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso questionable vs. Trail Blazers. Javonte Green is probable.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 23, 2023

Crucial stretch

With a 34-38 record, the Bulls are in a good position to grab a spot in the Play-in tournament. However, this is by no means guaranteed, with 10 games remaining in the regular season. Not having their top scorer and playmaker could be a huge blow to the Bulls' chances of clinching a spot in the playoffs. The injury concerns come at a critical time for the Bulls, who are a game-and-a-half ahead of the 11th-seed Indiana Pacers and half-a-game behind the Toronto Raptors for the ninth spot.

Injury Update: DeMar DeRozan (right quad strain) is OUT for the remainder of tonight's game vs. the Sixers. pic.twitter.com/Yn03vlyLTP
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 23, 2023

DeRozan checked out in the third quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers and did not return with what the team termed as a right quad strain. The veteran wingman did not speak to the media after the game, although his teammates and coach do not believe it is serious enough to warrant a lengthy absence.

Same injury

It must be noted, though, that this is the same injury that sidelined DeRozan for five games in January and February. Injuries of this nature tend to be tricky, and with the team staying mum on the exact severity of the strain, it is tough to predict how much time he could miss.

Meanwhile, Caruso is supposedly nearing a return as he warmed up before the last game, but was ruled out at the last minute with what the team called an "abundance of caution" after the defensive wizard said he experienced some discomfort afterward.