Zach LaVine appears to have avoided a serious injury, which is great news for the Chicago Bulls.
The Chicago Bulls currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. Through the first half of the 2021-22 NBA season, there’s a strong argument to make that the Bulls have been the best – and most consistent – team in the East.
However, that was all in jeopardy of being thrown out the window after a series of plays Friday night. After four minutes of play in Chicago’s loss against the Golden State Warriors, Zach LaVine left the game with an apparent knee injury.
When the injury initially took place, the concern was that LaVine had suffered a significant knee injury. However, it appears that LaVine is fine and will likely just miss a few games (if that). He’s expected to be re-evaluated and a more cement timeline will be announced.
Zach LaVine underwent an MRI this morning which revealed no significant structural damage to his left knee.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 15, 2022
LaVine has begun targeted therapy and will be reassessed early next week when a more definitive timetable will be determined.
He is not expected to miss significant time.
That’s good news all around to the ears of Bulls fans. An injury to LaVine not only would’ve nuked all the momentum that the Bulls have compiled during the first half of the season, but likely would’ve all but eliminated any chance that they had of winning the East.
Even though DeMar DeRozan has garnered most of the headlines this season for Chicago’s improved play, you can’t begin to talk about this team and the strides that this team has made without LaVine.
LaVine is the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 25 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. He opens everything up for everyone else on the roster and remains one of the most important players in the league.
Nevertheless, at least for now, the Bulls are in a good spot. As long as this team remains healthy, they’re going to be a major factor in the Eastern Conference.