Chicago Bulls Downgrade Key Reserve vs. Detroit Pistons Thursday

Chicago Bulls veteran Andre Drummond is likely to miss action against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

Oct 28, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots on Chicago | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

As the Chicago Bulls prepare for the NBA Play-In Tournament, they’ll take on the Detroit Pistons potentially without a key member of their rotation.

According to the injury report, the Bulls have downgraded the veteran center Andre Drummond for Thursday’s matchup.

Drummond is currently listed as doubtful to play due to a left ankle sprain.

During the Bulls’ Tuesday night matchup against the New York Knicks, Drummond checked in off the bench for a little under five minutes. During his short shift, Drummond scored four points while coming down with two rebounds and collecting one steal.

Missing a game this season would be uncharacteristic for Drummond. After appearing in Tuesday’s loss to the Knicks, the big man checked in for his 79th outing of the season. He has yet to miss any action for Chicago this year.

Barring any unexpected changes, Drummond’s first absence is likely to come against his former team this week. While Drummond isn’t the standout player he once was in Detroit, the veteran big man has been critical for the Bulls in a reserve role.

In 79 games, Drummond averaged 17 minutes on the court. During that time, he produced eight points per game, while making 56 percent of his field goals. On the glass, Drummond averaged nine rebounds per game.

The Bulls aren’t in the playoffs at this time, but they have a chance to crack a spot in the postseason through the NBA Play-In Tournament. With Drummond experiencing soreness in his ankle, the Bulls need to make sure they take it easy with the big man for the final few games of the Bulls’ season to make sure he’s healthy and ready to compete against the Atlanta Hawks next week.

The Pistons and the Bulls are set to tip-off at 7 PM ET.