Today marks the first of two meetings between the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers this season; the teams will meet again in Chicago the following week.
Latest news on Anthony Davis, LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell
In a hurry to wrap up their season series, the Bulls and Lakers will play again on Wednesday in Chicago. Last year, the Bulls swept the season series against the Lakers to end the Lakers’ three-game winning streak in the rivalry.
Winning Sunday’s game against the visiting Chicago Bulls would do more than just boost morale during a crucial stretch without injured star LeBron James; it would also strengthen their position in the Western Conference playoff race.
On Saturday, the Lakers were 37-37 and in eighth place in the West with eight games left in the regular season. The mood around the team seems to be improving.
The Lakers are preparing for the final game of their five-game homestand with a three-game winning streak that has included two victories over Western Conference playoff hopefuls.
- Anthony Davis – Questionable
Anthony Davis’ 37 points and 15 rebounds on Friday helped the Pelicans beat the Thunder, two days after they beat the Phoenix Suns.
According to Harrison Faigen of SBNation.com, Anthony Davis’s Sunday matchup with the Bulls is in doubt because of a foot injury.
Davis is always listed as probable by the Lakers, so worry is unwarranted. His stat line this month in 35.4 minutes per game reads 27.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 blocks.
SBNation.com’s Harrison Faigen reports that D’Angelo Russell’s status for Sunday’s game against the Bulls is questionable.
Even though head coach Darvin Ham has said that Russell’s injury isn’t serious, the fact that he was listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Thunder is telling. But if Russell can’t go Sunday against the Bears, Dennis Schroder and Austin Reaves may get more snaps.
- LeBron James – Questionable
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, LeBron James (foot) is now listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bulls.
The team has officially listed James as doubtful rather than out, which is a positive sign that he will likely return before the end of the regular season.
If he decides to sit out the first game of the two-game set, he may be able to return as early as Wednesday’s game against the Bulls.
For the Bulls, Chicago is now mathematically eligible to participate in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament thanks to their recent surge of success.
The Chicago Bulls started their three-game road trip with a 124-96 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. On Saturday, they were 2 1/2 games ahead of the final Eastern Conference play-in team, the Bulls were in 10th place.
DeMar DeRozan, Chicago’s leading scorer, was sidelined with a strained right quadriceps, but the Bulls still managed to beat Portland.
K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports that DeRozan (quadriceps) said “everything’s a go” for Sunday’s game against the Lakers.
DeRozan sat out on Friday with a strained right quad, but he will be fine to play in the first game of a back-to-back on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Alex Caruso will most likely move back to the second unit after his recovery, while Javonte Green (knee) and Derrick Jones will see their playing time decrease.
Bulls injuries:
- Alex Caruso (Foot) – Questionable
- Javonte Green (Knee) – Out
- Lonzo Ball (Knee) – Out for the season
- Justin Lewis (Knee) – Out for the season
Lakers injuries:
- LeBron James (Foot) – Questionable
- D’Angelo Russell (Hip) – Questionable
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (Ankle) – Questionable
- Anthony Davis (Foot) – Questionable
- Mo Bamba (Ankle) – Out
