Bulls’ Zach LaVine (knee) to overlook season opener vs. the Warmth

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will miss the staff’s common season opener in opposition to the Miami Warmth on Wednesday evening with left knee damage administration, in line with Bulls PR.

LaVine advised reporters after shootaround on Wednesday morning in Miami that his absence was not tied to any particular setback, however tied to load administration for his knee.

He was unsure of his standing for Friday’s sport in opposition to the Washington Wizards, the entrance finish of a back-to-back earlier than the staff’s residence opener in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

LaVine, who signed a five-year, $215 million max contract this offseason, performed by means of lingering soreness in his knee through the second half of the 2021-22 season earlier than present process arthroscopic knee surgical procedure in Could. Nevertheless, each he and the Bulls have regularly expressed confidence in his well being from the beginning of coaching camp and LaVine performed within the staff’s first three preseason video games, averaging 21.8 minutes per sport earlier than sitting out the finale.

As lately as after observe Friday, LaVine as soon as once more reiterated confidence in his well being exiting the preseason.

“I simply really feel good,” he stated then. “I believe that is been the primary factor isn’t having any aches and pains and having the ability to go on the market and actually play with out limitations in my very own thoughts….I am simply completely happy I really feel higher.”

LaVine has made the All-Star staff the previous two seasons and averaged 24.4 factors on 47.6% capturing in 67 video games final season. The Bulls are already with out level guard Lonzo Ball to start the season whereas he recovers from knee surgical procedure close to the beginning of coaching camp.