The Chicago Bulls are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans as they look to get back in the win column. The Pelicans have been one of the hottest teams since the All-Star break and are looking like a possible playoff contender. The Bulls are looking to show that they are truly one of the Eastern Conference's best teams. Unfortunately, they will have to play without their leading scorer and veteran leader. Is DeMar DeRozan playing tonight?

Is DeMar DeRozan playing vs. Pelicans

The Bulls announced that DeRozan will be out against the Pelicans due to a left abductor strain. It's a big blow for the Bulls, who will have to lean more on Zach LaVine as he deals with knee soreness.

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DeRozan has been sensational this season, his first with the Bulls. He leads the team in games played this season with 68 is one of just four players on the team to appear in 60 games along with Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu and Troy Brown Jr. The 32-year-old is averaging 27.6 points on 50.5 percent from the field along with 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.

Chicago has a lot to prove as they head into the playoffs. Although they are 42-30 and rank fifth in the conference, their inability to beat the strongest teams in the NBA has made them look like a team that won't last in the postseason.

Injuries have been a negative factor for the Bulls as well. Starting point guard Lonzo Ball remains sidelined and may not be back before the playoffs. It'll be up to DeRozan and LaVine to run the offense more while Ball recovers from a knee injury. tonight, though, the pressure will be on LaVine.