Zach LaVine has entered health and safety protocols; Game 5 availability in jeopardy

Chicago Bulls need all their weapons available ahead of do-or-die Game 5 of the series vs Bucks, per Shams Charania of Athletic. However, Zach Lavine’s availability is in doubt ahead of Wednesday’s contest.

The Bulls are scheduled to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday for Game 5 of the best-of-seven series. Milwaukee currently holds a 3-1 lead and need one more win to clinch their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Bulls say star Zach LaVine has entered health and safety protocols. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 26, 2022

This is another setback for LaVine, who has missed time this season with knee and back injuries. When he’s healthy, he is one of the go-to-guys in Chicago alongside veteran superstar DeMar DeRozan.

He averaged 24.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from deep. However, in his first postseason appearance he has an underwhelming presence in Chicago’s struggling offense.

Through four games this postseason, he is averaging 19.3 points per game. With LaVine out, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic are expected to carry the Bulls offense. Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu could receive more playing time.

Apart from LaVine, the Bulls could also be without Alex Caruso, who is in the NBA concussion protocol after Game 4.

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