The Chicago Bulls closed Friday night’s 36-point defeat in Miami with just seven healthy players after two injuries and an ejection compounded an already thin roster, wiping out much of the club’s hope of advancing in NBA Cup play.
Huerter Ejected After Ball Hits Official
Guard Kevin Huerter was thrown out with 8:18 remaining in the third quarter. Whistled for a foul while contesting Pelle Larsson, Huerter swatted the ball toward the scorer’s table; it bounced and struck referee Che Flores. A video review ruled the act met the standard for an ejection. “Wasn’t malicious, wasn’t intended to be aggressive toward her,” Huerter said, adding that he apologized to the official and was unfamiliar with the specific rule.
Two More Injuries Deplete Roster
Rookie forward Matas Buzelis left with a right ankle sprain, and guard Dalen Terry exited because of a left calf strain. The Heat routed Chicago 130-94, handing the Bulls their second loss in group play.
Saturday Injury Report
For Saturday’s game in Washington, the Bulls list Buzelis (right ankle sprain) as questionable and Terry (left calf strain) as doubtful. Huerter (illness), Isaac Okoro (lumbar radiculopathy) and Patrick Williams (wrist sprain) are also questionable.
Williams Finding His Stride
Now in his sixth NBA season, Williams credits mental adjustments for an uptick in production. The 2020 No. 4 pick owns a positive plus-minus for the first time in his career and says a “next-play mentality” has eliminated overthinking. “I’m just playing,” he noted. “I still think I can play a lot better, for sure.”
Vucevic Serving as Offensive Connector
Head coach Billy Donovan called veteran center Nikola Vucevic “a calming force” after Vucevic drilled the game-winner Wednesday in Portland. Donovan praised the 33-year-old’s passing and willingness to keep the ball moving, adding, “When the ball is in his hands, it’s not so much about him shooting, but he generally connects our team in a lot of ways.”
Ring of Honor Adds Six Members
The Bulls will induct John Paxson, Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant and longtime broadcaster Neil Funk into the franchise’s Ring of Honor during Saturday night’s home game. The late Norm Van Lier and Johnny Bach will be honored posthumously.
Source: Hoops Rumors
