The Chicago Bulls lost a tough game to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. They don't have any time to dwell on the loss, as the Golden State Warriors await them for a Friday-night showdown at the United Center. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine will be playing but the status of one of Chicago's most important supporting pieces doesn't look as promising. Is Alex Caruso playing tonight?

Is Alex Caruso playing vs. Warriors

Unfortunately for the Bulls, they will not have their defensive extraordinaire available as they look to slow down Stephen Curry. K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reported that the team has listed Caruso out, as he remains in the NBA's health and safety protocols. Derrick Jones Jr., who suffered a knee injury against the Nets, is also out.

Caruso has shined for the Bulls this season as the ultimate defense-first glue guy. He is averaging 8.4 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point land. The former Laker has built a very strong case for being selected to an All-Defensive team. The only thing holding him back is being absent for long, as he hasn't played since December 20th due to a foot sprain and entering protocols.

The Bulls still own the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They have one of the best offenses in the league thanks to DeRozan and LaVine, who will both likely be All-Stars. Getting Caruso back to solidify the team's defense would be hugely important to their future success.

Although Chicago won't be at full strength against Golden State, the Dubs won't be either. Draymond Green will most likely miss his third consecutive game and Klay Thompson will be resting, as the Warriors played yesterday.