The NBA postponed the Bulls vs. Pistons and Bulls vs. Raptors matchups this week, per Adrian Wojnarowski. It marks the first postponements of any games in the 2021-22 NBA season.
“The NBA has postponed the Bulls-Pistons game on Tuesday and Bulls-Raptors on Thursday, source tells ESPN.”
Adrian Wojnarowski
The postponement is in response to the Bulls’ recent COVID-19 outbreak. While the NBA made the final decision, the Chicago Department of Public Health encouraged the choice, per Woj.
The Chicago Department of Public Health had concerns about the Bulls continuing to play this week, and that played a part in the NBA decision, sources tell ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski
The decision comes after a hectic few weeks for the Chicago Bulls. Since the outbreak began in early December, Chicago has sidelined a whopping ten players due to COVID-19 health & safety protocols. The long list includes Troy Brown Jr, DeMar DeRozan, Ayo Dosunmu, Javonte Green, Alize Johnson, Stanley Johnson, Derrick Jones Jr, Zach LaVine, Matt Thomas, and Coby White.
Overall, the group composes over half of the roster. Had the Bulls resumed their season amid the outbreak, they’d have just eight active players. Among those eight, only Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, and Tony Bradley have regularly appeared in the rotation.
As of now, the NBA hasn’t rescheduled the postponed games. But with several months left in the regular season, there’s ample time for the Bulls to make up their lost games.
Moving forward
Despite their COVID situation, the Bulls have much to be proud of this season. With a 17-10 record, they’re the third seed in the eastern conference after four straight seasons of missing the playoffs.
Leading the way are wings DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who are legitimate all-star candidates. In addition, the newly acquired backcourt duo of Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso has added an energy boost on both ends as potential all-defensive team selections.
With the next two games canceled, their next scheduled matchup comes against the Los Angeles Lakers at home on December 19. Until then, the team will look to recover and get healthy.
