On Friday night, the Chicago Bulls will take on the Toronto Raptors in their second-to-last NBA In-Season Tournament group stage game. Currently 5-11 on the season, the Bulls desperately need a win, especially over a team like the Raptors in the Eastern Conference. However, the Bulls may have to try and earn this win without one of their stars, as Zach LaVine finds himself on the injury report. With LaVine’s status unclear for this matchup, the question is now: Is Zach LaVine playing tonight vs. the Raptors
Zach LaVine is currently listed as questionable to play against the Raptors on Friday night due to right foot soreness. The All-Star guard has been dealing with a what he recently described as a right mid-foot sprain, but it does not appear as if this injury is too serious. At the same time, it has limited LaVine’s ability to play, as he recently missed his team’s last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Chicago went on to lose this game 116-102 on the road.
After not missing a single game to begin the season, LaVine is now in danger of missing his second straight game at a time where the Bulls desperately need to start scrapping together some wins.
Given their slow start to the season and the internal frustrations that exist, the Bulls have become the center of trade discussions in the NBA. Many around the league expect to them to be sellers at this season’s trade deadline, leading to questions about LaVine and his future with the organization after recently signing a five-year, $215 million contract in 2022.
As well as LaVine hearing his name come up in trade rumors, the Bulls are also receiving interest for Ale Caruso and Patrick Williams