Alex Caruso Returning To Bulls' Lineup Saturday, Zach Lavine Out With Knee Soreness

2 min read • March 13, 2022

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NBA

The up-and-down Bulls will get a major lift on Saturday, as 6th man and defensive connector Alex Caruso is set to return to the No. 4 seed after a 7-week absence.

Caruso suffered a broken scaphoid bone in his right wrist on Jan. 21 that required surgery. Grayson Allen, who committed the much-maligned flagrant foul that brought Caruso crashing down to the court, was suspended 1 game for the play.

Despite the injury, Caruso was able to shoot his free throws and stayed in the game for a little over 11 minutes after the play.

Caruso's return is spot on with the normal 6-to-8 week recovery timeline we intimated when he initially suffered the break. 

The 27-year-old is an incredibly impactful player for the 40-26 Bulls. Chicago is 19-9 in games Caruso has played this season, good for a 55-win pace, and opposing teams have a 104.3 offensive rating with Caruso on the floor versus a 115.8 rating when he is off the floor.

All-star guard Zach Lavine, meanwhile, will miss the contest with left knee soreness. 

Lavine missed 8 of the last 19 games ahead of the all-star break with left knee issues after tweaking the surgically-repaired knee on Jan. 14., but was deemed safe to play after having fluid drained before the break. 

He has played all 7 games in the 2nd half, averaging 24.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 48% shooting, but experienced some discomfort ahead of Saturday's contest, according to Bill Donovan.

The Bulls continue to await the returns of fellow versatile defenders Lonzo Ball and Patrick Williams, although both are expected to return in the coming weeks once they recondition.