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Zach LaVine Will Miss Action for Pistons-Bulls Matchup

The matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls could miss Zach LaVine on Sunday.
Justin Grasso|
Nov 18, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) moves the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Nov 18, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) moves the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images

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When the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls battle it out on Sunday afternoon, the visiting side is likely to be down a key player.

According to the official NBA injury report, the Bulls initially listed the veteran forward Zach LaVine as doubtful. On Sunday morning leading up to the matchup, he was downgraded to out. The sharpshooting forward is getting time off due to personal reasons.

The Bulls have left the door open for a potential return to action, but his presence was unlikely.

By Sunday’s action, it's the third game in a row.

When the Bulls visited the Boston Celtics on January 29, they suffered a 22-point loss while missing LaVine for the first time in a month.

Two nights later, the Bulls returned to action to face the Toronto Raptors. Even without LaVine, the Bulls took care of business against a rebuilding Toronto team as they collected a 16-point win.

This week is shaping up to be a critical one for LaVine. Throughout the season, his name has been prominent in the NBA trade rumor mill.

While recent reports have indicated that LaVine wants to remain in Chicago, there’s no telling what the Bulls might do when the deadline inches closer.

This season, LaVine has brought a lot of attention to himself for having an improved year and better health. Last season, he appeared in just 25 games, posting averages of 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists while shooting 35 percent from three.

This year, LaVine has produced an average of 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists while knocking down 45 percent of his threes.

When the Pistons and the Bulls first met in November, Detroit suffered a 122-112 loss. LaVine produced 25 points, five assists, and six rebounds to help Chicago collect a win.

The rematch will take place at 3 PM ET on Sunday.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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