The Chicago Bulls were handed a serious blow on Monday as superstar DeMar DeRozan tested positive for COVID-19 prior to their contest against the Denver Nuggets.
While there was initial hope that DeRozan had a false positive, it appears that isn't the case and he's expected to miss about 10 days unless he can provide two straight negatives within a 24-hour span. Via Shams Charania:
Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan will miss at least 10 days in health and safety protocols, or unless he has two negative tests in 24-hour period moving forward, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. https://t.co/IYkW3rsSNv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 7, 2021
DeRozan has been arguably the Bulls' best player this season, averaging an impressive 26.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Alongside Zach LaVine, Chicago possesses one of the top star duos in the league right now.
Billy Donovan's squad still managed to beat Denver, but they do have a couple of tough matchups ahead against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. As Shams noted, there is the possibility that DeRozan returns earlier than expected if he tests negative two times in a row. If he is sidelined for 10 days, that means the veteran would miss four games for the Bulls.
Chicago is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 17-8 record. Rookie Ayo Dosunmu will continue to get starting minutes alongside Derrick Jones Jr. Dosumnu impressed against the Nuggets, dropping 11 points while dishing out eight assists.
The Bulls' next game is Wednesday in Cleveland.
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