(670 The Score) A rough stretch for the Bulls is getting rougher.
Star guard Zach LaVine has landed in the NBA's health and safety protocols and is expected to miss "several" games, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Thursday afternoon. The Bulls had originally scheduled a practice for Thursday but called it off due to health and safety protocols, the team said.
LaVine is expected to miss 10 to 14 days, Shams Charania of Stadium reported later in the afternoon. That would mean LaVine would miss at least Chicago's next six to eight games -- and perhaps more, depending on how quickly he can get into game shape. A player landing in the protocol doesn't necessarily mean he has contracted COVID-19. It could mean that or he could've been exposed and needs to be isolated while further testing awaits.
LaVine's absence comes as the Bulls are riding a four-game losing streak. That includes setbacks to the NBA-worst Timberwolves on Sunday and the lowly Magic on Wednesday. Chicago is 22-32 and sits in 10th place in the East, one game ahead of Toronto and Washington for the final slot to gain entry into the play-in tournament.
LaVine is averaging a team-high 27.5 points in an All-Star season. Chicago hosts Memphis on Friday and then Cleveland on Saturday.
