It remains unclear whether Deebo will play against the Brooklyn Nets.
As the Chicago Bulls showed in their last game, putting up points on the scoreboard is going to be a challenge without DeMar DeRozan. Scoring less than a hundred in today’s NBA is basically unheard of, yet that is exactly what the Bulls did in their 104-89 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game. With the reshuffled Brooklyn Nets next on their schedule, it remains to be seen if DeRozan will suit up as he has been listed as “questionable” for the game due to a sore hip.
Hard to replace Deebo’s production
Finding someone to replace DeRozan’s nightly averages of 25.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists is not going to happen, especially with a Bulls squad that lacks depth at the wing position. The Compton native’s absence was greatly felt in the fourth quarter—a time when DeRozan typically works his magic—as the Bulls scored just 14 points, which led to the Grizzlies taking control of the game.
Still, all is not lost for Chicago as defensive guard Alex Caruso was listed as “probable” to play in the upcoming match against the Nets. In his return to the lineup after recovering from foot soreness, the fan-favorite took DeRozan’s spot in the starting lineup and had two points, six rebounds, five assists, and a steal.
Different Nets squad
The Nets team that the Bulls will be battling on Thursday night is a different one from the squad that they’ve beaten twice so far this season. Already gone are Kyrie Irving, who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks a few days ago, as well as Kevin Durant, who was sent to the Phoenix Suns in another mega-deal that just took place.
With the Nets set to have an unusual cast on the floor, it will be interesting to see how the Bulls will perform in this game. It is clear that DeRozan’s presence would give the team a big boost, but if he can’t go, then Chicago may need to do it by committee, with guys like Caruso, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine leading the way.
Source: si.com
