Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine missed Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers after playing 42 minutes with back spasms the night before against the Toronto Raptors. There was some hope LaVine would be back for the Bulls' matinee against the Philadelphia 76ers, so fans are wondering: Is Zach LaVing playing vs. the Sixers?

Is Bulls star Zach LaVine playing vs. Sixers

Unfortunately, LaVine will miss his second consecutive game with the back injury. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan announced the news just hours before Sunday afternoon's matchup, per NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson.

This is a tough break for Chicago in a crucial matchup at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The Bulls are percentage points ahead of the Miami Heat for first place in the East, and the Sixers are just two games back. A win for Chicago on Sunday would also mean Donovan coaches in the 2022 All-Star Game.

LaVine and the Bulls have dealt with a bunch of health issues this season. LaVine played through a thumb injury earlier this season and also missed time due to COVID-19. He recently sat out a handful of games because of a knee injury. Now he's dealing with this back problem.

In addition to LaVine's injury, Chicago is without Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr. and Patrick Williams due to long-term ailments. The Bulls are hoping to have all these guys back at some point this season, but it's still going to be a while. Coby White is also out Sunday.

Zach LaVine will aim to return to the lineup for Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns, but when it comes to playing vs. the Sixers, that's not happening.