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

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will miss the group’s common season opener towards the Miami Warmth on Wednesday evening with left knee harm administration, based on Bulls PR.

LaVine instructed 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 recreation towards the Washington Wizards, the entrance finish of a back-to-back earlier than the group’s residence opener towards the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

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

As just 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 principle factor just isn’t having any aches and pains and with the ability to go on the market and actually play with out limitations in my very own thoughts….I am simply completely satisfied I really feel higher.”

LaVine has made the All-Star group 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.