Chicago Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine has been ruled out for the game against the Washington Wizards despite head coach Jim Boylen previously stating that he would play.

LaVine was a late scratch in the game, all after Boylen announced an hour before the game that the high-flier will feature in the match.

Zach LaVine played in the team's last three games, but a right thigh contusion will force the 24-year-old to miss his 10th game of the year.

The two-time NBA Slam Dunk contest champion is in the midst of his best season, averaging 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his first full season with the Bulls. According to Basketball-Reference, LaVine is coming off a February where he posted an offensive rating of 124 and a 6.0 net rating, both of which are easily season highs.

However, given the number of nagging injuries LaVine has experienced this year as well as the fact that he tore his ACL barely over two years ago, it would hardly be surprising if the Bulls were extremely cautious with their budding star at the end of the season.

Chicago was aggressive in offering LaVine a four-year, $78 million extension prior to the 2018-19 season, so rest assured they will do whatever is necessary to preserve his health and protect their investment.