Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso hasn't played since Dec. 20 because of both a foot injury and health and safety protocols. Caruso has been closing in on a much-needed return, though, so Bulls fans want to know: Is Alex Caruso playing vs. the Cavs on Wednesday?

Is Bulls' Alex Caruso playing vs. Cavs

Caruso was just recently cleared from health and safety protocols and has been getting his conditioning back since he hasn't played in a month. The guard sprained his left foot against the Houston Rockets on Dec. 20 and then went into COVID-19 protocols on Jan. 5.

But, finally, Caruso is probable to make his return Wednesday against Cleveland. The Bulls guard is set to be on a minutes restriction:

This is great news for a Bulls team that has been slumping badly with so many key players out. Chicago has lost four in a row and five of its last six games, and even with Caruso back, a number of other key guys will miss Wednesday's game against a streaking Cavs squad.

Caruso's presence will be welcomed in any fashion given just how far the Bulls have slipped on defense since he went on the shelf. Chicago was close to a top-five defense for a while to start the season and sat at No. 11 when Caruso went down, but now the defensive rating is down to 19th. Since Caruso went out, the Bulls are 24th in defensive rating.

Chicago is still likely in trouble against the Cavs on Wednesday and then again for Friday's ESPN game against the Milwaukee Bucks, unless some of those top guys are back in the lineup. But the return of Caruso should provide a boost.

So, is Alex Caruso actually playing tonight vs. the Cavs? It sure looks like it.