The Chicago Bulls will look much different on the perimeter than normal against the Toronto Raptors. Coach Jim Boylen said on Monday that starting wings Zach LaVine and Otto Porter Jr. will be unavailable for Tuesday's game, while starting point guard Kris Dunn is doubtful to play:
“LaVine and Porter are OUT for tomorrow night. Dunn did not practice and is doubtful for tomorrow.” Coach Boylen
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 25, 2019
LaVine remains bothered by a thigh bruise that caused him to miss the Bulls’ overtime victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. He was initially listed as questionable for Saturday’s tilt with the Utah Jazz, but was eventually ruled out before tipoff.
The 2018-19 season has been a topsy-turvy one for LaVine, who has nevertheless quietly lived up to the hype of a four-year, $78 million deal he got in the summer. He has even grow more comfortable with Boylen, offering earlier this month to pay for his coach’s fine as the result of an ejection. LaVine is averaging career highs across the board with 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game with a solid overall field goal percentage of 46.7.
Porter, meanwhile, hasn’t played since March 17 while recovering from a strained right rotator cuff. Acquired by Chicago in exchange for Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker at February's trade deadline, the sixth-year pro has played some of the best basketball of his career in a Bulls uniform, averaging 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 15 games, shooting a scorching 48.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Dunn is still hobbled by a back issue that he fought through to play in Chicago's loss to the Jazz on Saturday. Despite marginally improving as a shooter, the former top-five pick has failed to cement himself as the Bulls' long-term answer at point guard this season.
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