The Chicago Bulls faced a significant roster challenge as center Nikola Vucevic was ruled out against the Atlanta Hawks due to a left adductor contusion, marking his first missed game of the season after playing all 82 games last year. Vucevic, who was seen lifting weights during the media's gym access, might be sidelined for a week or more due to a strained groin. Adama Sanogo was also listed as questionable after attending the Bulls shootaround. In Vucevic's absence, Andre Drummond made his first start of the season and recorded a double-double in just 14 minutes of playing time. By halftime, Drummond had 14 points and 12 rebounds, and he continued to excel, finishing with 18 points and 18 rebounds with 12 minutes remaining in the game. This performance marked Drummond's second 20-point game as a Bull and his 45th career game with 20+ points and 20+ rebounds, showcasing his first 20-20 game since January 9, 2021. The Bulls' depth was further tested as they were without Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig due to injuries. Joel Embiid and Nicolas Batum of the Philadelphia 76ers were also reported to miss their upcoming game, with no decisions made for their participation in games later in the week against Houston and Chicago.
With authority! 😤 @NBCSChicago | @AndreDrummond https://t.co/G7heojSImJ
Tonight is Andre Drummond's 45th career game with 20+ points and 20+ rebounds. No other active player has more than 16: https://t.co/vYektnw9FY https://t.co/pWPW183ctU
Chicago's Own. @AyoDos_11 | #SeeRed https://t.co/S33i2f9Qkn
This is Andre Drummond’s first 20-20 game since Jan. 9, 2021 as a member of the Cavaliers.
Deebo, three-ball, corner pocket. @NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan https://t.co/2TjFrffpkv
This is Andre Drummond’s second 20-point game as a Bull. He had 21 points against the Spurs on Feb. 6 of last season.
12 minutes to go. Andre Drummond: 18 points (8-9 FG) and 18 rebounds. https://t.co/3G1W3xnhgz
Dre has 14 points (7-7 FG) and 12 rebounds at HALFTIME. @AndreDrummond | #SeeRed https://t.co/ZcK4L8DAKv
Andre Drummond has a double-double in 14 minutes of playing time and 21 minutes of game action
Bulls' center Nikola Vucevic to miss time with groin strain. That leaves Chicago without 2 of their top 4 scorers (LaVine remains out with foot inflammation). https://t.co/2U4RFfvwnZ
Ended the quarter on a 9-0 run. Andre Drummond: 8 points (4-4 FG) and 5 rebounds https://t.co/7AO31saAuC
Fantastic first stint by Andre Drummond, starting in place of the injured Nikola Vučević. Drummond scored eight points on 4-4 shooting, with five rebounds, a block and strong post defense in 9 1/2 minutes. Terry Taylor replaces him as the backup center.
Andre Drummond consistently says he believes he's still a starting center. First rotational turn in first start as a Bull: 8 points (4-4 FGs), 5 rebounds, 1 block, altered one other shot Terry Taylor checking in
Dre is making his first start of the season tonight. @AndreDrummond | #SeeRed https://t.co/xOj4kmrHI6
Andre Drummond gets the start for Nikola Vučević (Out - left adductor contusion) tonight vs. Atlanta. @FirstAlert | #SeeRed https://t.co/u99DVlG05G
Already without Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig, the Bulls' injury bug now claims Nikola Vučević, who has a strained groin. News story for @NBCSChicago: https://t.co/qlcSUBqiwK
Bulls face Embiid and 76ers twice in next week. If Vucevic is sidelined for a week or so—-and timeline could fall barely on either side of that; it’s not known yet—-that’s a significant loss.
Nikola Vucevic is out vs. Hawks, per Donovan. Vucevic played all 82 games last season and this is his first missed game this season.
Joel Embiid and Nicolas Batum will both miss tomorrow’s game against Orlando. Nothing has been determined for either player for either Friday in Houston or Saturday in Chicago.
Adama Sanogo was at Bulls shootaround this AM, listed as questionable. As is Nikola Vucevic, who was lifting weights when media was allowed in gym. This has been your Bulls shootaround update.
Bulls list Nikola Vucevic questionable vs. Hawks with a left adductor contusion.