‣ Despite Phillips’ injury, the Bulls are still in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, holding the ninth-shortest odds according to NBA betting sites, with better odds for the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers.
‣ Injuries have significantly impacted the Chicago Bulls’ roster, including season-ending surgeries for Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams, and a mild hip strain for Coby White. The team is currently 32-35 and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Injury Update: Julian Phillips has been diagnosed with a right foot sprain.
Phillips will be in a walking boot and his status will be updated as appropriate.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls)
Details
Oh boy, the Chicago Bulls just can’t catch a break, can they? Julian Phillips, their rookie forward, is out with a right foot sprain. And guess what? He’s stuck in a protective boot indefinitely. The team spilled the beans on Friday.
They’re keeping mum on when he’ll be back. But, given the boot situation, we’re probably not seeing him on the court for a spell. At least a few weeks, I’d wager.
Now, if you’re into NBA betting, here’s a nugget for you. The Bulls are kinda in the middle of the pack for making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Better odds are on the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, so says the sportsbooks.
“Injury Update: Julian Phillips has a right foot sprain.” That’s straight from the Bulls’ Twitter. He’s boot-bound, and they’ll let us know what’s up… when they feel like it.
Phillips, only 20, got sidelined during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. It was a rough one, ending 127-92. He was on the injury report before Wednesday’s game against the Pacers but managed to play 11 minutes. Then, he sat out the next game against the Clippers. It’s been a tough season for the Bulls, injury-wise. Coach Billy Donovan’s been juggling players like Jevon Carter and Dalen Terry to fill the gaps.
Julian Phillips, remember him? Drafted 35th overall by the Bulls last year from the University of Tennessee. The guy’s a 6-foot-8 wing who had a decent freshman season.
So far, he’s been coming off the bench, averaging 2.2 points and 8.1 minutes over 40 games. His shooting? 41.6% from the floor, 31.6% from beyond the arc, and 68.4% at the free-throw line.
He hit a season-high 11 points against Portland and, yep, during that Dallas game. Also snagged five rebounds in a game against the Cavaliers. Not too shabby.
Oh, and there’s more injury news. Coby White’s got a mild hip strain. But he’s a trooper, might be back soon, playing against the Wizards.
The Bulls? They’ve been through the wringer. Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams are out for the season. Torrey Craig’s been in and out. And now Coby White’s hobbling.
With the season winding down, Chicago’s record is 32-35. They’re ninth in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Heat and just ahead of the Hawks.
They’ve got the Celtics coming up, then three more games against the Knicks. New York took the first one, but who knows what’ll happen next?
