Alex Caruso will be back on the court tonight, the Bulls announced (via Twitter), and his return should help solve the team’s defensive issues, writes Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. Caruso has been sidelined for seven weeks with a fractured wrist, and he and Lonzo Ball have played a combined eight games since Christmas Day. Over that span, Chicago has dropped from ninth to 21st in team defense.
The difference is especially noticeable in regard to creating turnovers, as Caruso and Ball would both rank among the top 10 in the league in steals per game if they had played enough minutes. Schafer notes that the Bulls are last in the NBA in creating turnovers and 29th in steals in their 37 games since Christmas.
“There was certain things with those guys (Caruso and Ball) we did a little bit of, whether it be trapping pick-and-rolls, switching, or those guys’ ability to read something and fight through a screen or shoot the gap or anticipate something,” coach Billy Donovan said. “We gave those guys the freedom, I don’t want to say just to freelance, but like, be aggressive. Use your instincts. Get out in passing lanes. Use your activity.”
Caruso will be restricted to about 24-30 minutes per game, Schaefer tweets, but Donovan said that’s related more to his lengthy absence than concerns about the wrist.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- Zach LaVine is being held out of tonight’s game, even though the Bulls haven’t played since Wednesday, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago (Twitter link). The team has been taking precautions with LaVine’s sore left knee, but it’s unusual for him to be rested after a two-day break. “It’s not necessarily regressing,” Donovan said. “It’s just something he has to manage and deal with.”
- Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer offered encouraging news on Brook Lopez, who had back surgery and has played just one game this season, tweets Jim Owczarski of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Lopez feels good after a week of 5-on-5 practices and is expected to be ready soon. Teammate George Hill, who is suffering from neck soreness, is also making progress (Twitter link from Eric Nehm of The Athletic). “He’s close. He had a good day yesterday,” Budenholzer said. “I think he’s come through it well. So, I would say they’re both doing really well and they’re both close.”
- If the Pistons select a center in the draft, they may consider not bringing back rookie Luka Garza for another year, Rod Beard of The Detroit News states in a mailbag column. Detroit holds a team option on Garza for next season.
Luka is a college superstar
If Pistons don’t want him, Lakers can take him for free
It just seems Lavine’s knee is a more serious issue than they are letting out.
It sounds like he’s dealing with some reoccurring fluid and swelling on his knee from an injury that will likely take offseason surgery to completely resolve and fix.
That can be a bit obnoxious at times, and there’s no doubt it WILL effect him the rest of this season. However, with that being said, I don’t think it is anything that can really cause anymore further damage by playing on it for the time being.
He will just have to watch his minutes, manage the swelling as it comes, and he should most likely skip back to back games. If not skip the second game, then Donovan should only play him roughly 20minutes or so each game. Still though, I think LaVine just playing his typical 30 or so in the first game, and then resting the second is the best way to go.
LaVine should rest and take care of his knee as much as possible, if the Bulls are to make any kind of run deep in the playoffs. They’re certainly going to need all hands on deck, and everyone healthy to pull off an upset against Miami, 76ers, the Celtics, or especially the Bucks and a dangerous up and coming Nets squad (with or without Simmons)…
Bulls need everyone for playoffs. A healthy Bulls team can beat anyone. But this is first yr for this team playing well. And LaVine is a big part of that. I hope he’s good. Cause then that 1st rd series Bulls-vs- Celtics is going to be epic.
Agree that they need everyone, disagree that they can beat anyone. Lavine is cooked, this season at least. He has never impressed me with his poor defense.
I also agree Celtics Bulls would be a great matchup.
Hawks were not favored to beat Knicks last yr. You play a healthy Bulls team in playoffs. You better come to play. Is what I’m saying. The East is tough this yr. 1-8 are all capable of winning a series.
Is that true? I thought I remember Hawks were the favorites…my memory not great. Just remember listening to NY radio but could have been a game or two into the series.
NBA playoffs series odds: Can the favored Knicks get past the Hawks?
Frank Schwab
link to sports.yahoo.com
probably cause Knicks swept season series.
By the way. So far this yr they have swept it again.
Lavine’s knee is one reason I don’t think he’s a max player. Even if they scope it after the season, I doubt you can count on him for 70 games and the playoffs every year. He’d be joining the list of max players who are basically spectators. He only plays defense when he wants to and defense is something that you have to work at. Coby White can shoot and not play defense and is a lot cheaper. Or they can take the money they save and get a guard. I like Zach as a player but a max player? Not my preference.
Bucks got waxed tonight. Happy for Klay.
Warriors not having success in playoffs without Wiseman. Seven gm series is not one game.
Man did you really watch Kuminga. If you watched him in G-league. He’s grown so much as player. Still only 19. He’s with the right team to learn to play the right way. I said he was best 2way player in draft. He’s going to be special for sure. Now you know why I wanted to trade up for him.
Poole is a player I really didn’t know. He’s got gm and looks good. Kuminga and Poole here. No way Wiggins is coming back. He and LaVine will be best FAs out there next yr. Both unrestricted.
Both Kuminga and Moody have come a LONG way, and Poole could be the most improved player. While Poole has grown alot from last season, both Kuminga and Moody have had to improve their games through the G league, limited minutes, and getting random extended minutes throughout their rookie seasons. Ultimately, they have both matured on and off the court this season, and both players are proving to be excellent picks and building blocks for not only the Warriors future but for their run this year as well..
I still remember alot of fans, “analysts,” and so-called “gurus” really questioned the Warriors even using their picks to draft players in the first place. Then, alot of those same people questioned the Warriors on picking Kuminga and Moody as well. Well, I’m glad the Warriors and both their rookies have proven those naysayers wrong.
Both Kuminga and Moody are ALREADY going to play pivotal roles in helping the Warriors make a lengthy playoff run, and those two, plus Poole, plus Wiseman, another one of their picks alot of people said was a mistake, just might end up becoming the difference in them making another title run…
Man, it’s a good thing the Warriors don’t listen to the media and all its self proclaimed gurus and insiders!! Otherwise, they likely would have sacrificed their future, made some ignorant flashy trade, and significantly shortened their window like LeBron caused for the Lakers..lol
It’s something I always preach here. Can’t believe everything they say. No matter how smart they are. Do your research if you really care. I’m a big Wiseman and Kuminga guy. I agree they will definitely help now. And are foundational players ahead. Learning from three HOFers.
Bucks looked disinterested, but I don’t think it would have mattered. After a slow start from deep, seemed like everyone for GSW was hitting them, not just Klay.
Bucks still managed to play noticeably worse in the 3rd Q again. Whatever they’re doing during halftime isn’t working.
Caruso scared the crap out of me last night. Running into 285 lb screens, flying into the basket support, diving around. Probably impossible for the Energizer Bunny to take it easy and let his wrist totally heal for all that but…. It is what it is I guess. Or rather who he is. Sigh
If the Bulls face Boston in the 1st round, Boston will win.