How Nikola Vucevic’s absence could impact the Bulls’ hot start to the season

Breaking down the implications of Nikola Vucevic’s absence from the Chicago Bulls’ lineup.

Nikola Vucevic, starting center for the Chicago Bulls, has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols and will be out multiple games, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Vucecvic is averaging 13.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in his first full season with the Bulls after spending the previous 8.5 years with the Orlando Magic. Despite Vucecvic’s decline in scoring, the two-time NBA All-Star has stabilized a Chicago frontcourt and complemented a new-and-improved starting lineup while helping the Bulls to a share with the Washington Wizards for the best record in the eastern conference (8-3).

Vucevic entered the season with Tipico Sportsbook‘s 16th-best odds (+20000) to win MVP but has seen his chances decrease to +30000.

With Chicago now down its man in the middle, they’ll have to find a way to manage the loss to its prized center if they want to stay atop the East. Not only that, but the Bulls’ +1500 odds to win the East will also be in jeopardy as they head west coast for a five-game roadie.

While it isn’t known exactly how long Vuc will be missing in action as he goes through the league’s protocols, it has been indicated that he will miss multiple games. Whether that’s just two games or more, the timing couldn’t be worse. The news comes as the Bulls get ready to embark on an important five-game road trip to the west coast. During the trip, Chicago will face four playoff teams from a season ago, and a team that currently has the best record in the West.

Nov. 12 – Chicago Bulls (8-3) at Golden State Warriors (10-1)

Nov. 14 – Chicago Bulls (8-3) at Los Angeles Clippers (6-4)

Nov. 15 – Chicago Bulls (8-3) at Los Angeles Lakers (7-5)

Nov. 17 – Chicago Bulls (8-3) at Portland Trail Blazers (5-7)

Nov. 19 – Chicago Bulls (8-3) at Denver Nuggets (7-4)

The Bulls’ +1500 odds to win the eastern conference and +4000 odds to win an NBA championship could take a drastic leap or completely nosedive as a result of this trip. Yet, the Bulls are where they are in the standings because they’ve gotten outstanding production from nearly every rotational player. Mostly everyone has delivered on a nightly basis and stepped up in some of the bigger games of the season. That shouldn’t change now Tony Bradley is replacing Nikola Vucevic in the lineup. In fact, I’d expect a few Bulls to raise their level of play.

 

Zach LaVine – MVP (+8000)

Now that the Bulls are winning games, LaVine is finally getting the national media recognition for things that he’s been doing for the better part of the past two seasons. He’s averaging 25.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists this year, and has developed into a legitimate, reliable No. 1 option in his eighth NBA season.

DeMar DeRozan – MVP (+10000)

It’s great to see DeMar back to being the player that he’d become before departing Toronto for San Antonio. He’s back to scoring the ball at a high clip and has immediately brought his winning ways to a young Chicago team. DeRozan has shouldered the load plenty of times in his career and knows a thing or two about elevating his play. I’d expect him to turn it up even more while Vuc is out.

Alex Caruso – 6MOY (+4000)

Speaking of winning ways, who embodies that more than Alex Caruso? He’s come in, said all the right things, played exceptionally well, and help the Bulls to a share of the best record out East. He’s worn many different hats as an NBA player and what he does on the court is replicable no matter who else is on the court with him. Carus is also someone who will be vital to the team’s short-term and long-term success.

Chicago will have an interesting next week as it temporarily adjusts to life without Nikola Vucevic. No matter how the Bulls come away from this road trip, though, I think that they are a really good team that will be in contention for home-court advantage come April.

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