The NBA’s Chicago Bulls are missing nine players from their roster due to COVID-19 protocol, according to a report on Sunday, including stars Zach LeVine and Troy Brown, leaving only half of the team’s current roster available for Tuesday’s game with the Detroit Pistons.
“Under league rules, the Bulls need to have eight eligible players vs. the Pistons on Tuesday. There have been no Covid-related postponements in the NBA this season, but the Bulls outbreak — with LaVine and Troy Brown the latest — continues and postponements could be an option,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted Sunday.
Under league rules, the Bulls need to have eight eligible players vs. the Pistons on Tuesday. There have been no Covid-related postponements in the NBA this season, but the Bulls outbreak — with LaVine and Troy Brown the latest — continues and postponements could be an option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 12, 2021
The Chicago Tribune reported the news on Sunday, adding, “The entire Bulls roster received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. Center Nikola Vučević said most of his teammates have received the booster shot.”
The current players listed in COVID-19 protocol include Coby White, Javonte Green, DeMar DeRozan, Matt Homas, Derrick Johnes Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, Stanley Johnson, Zach Levine, and Troy Brown, according to the report.
At least eight players must be eligible for an NBA game to proceed, putting the Bulls in a position where at least one postponed game could occur. So far, no schedule changes have been announced.
“Well at least we’ll have herd immunity for the rest of the season,” Center Nikola Vucevic sarcastically tweeted.
Well at least we’ll have herd immunity for the rest of the season… https://t.co/XrmBH0OMxW
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) December 12, 2021
Vucevic tested positive for COVID-19 on November 11 and was in isolation for 11 days before returning to the team.
Teammate Coby White was the first Bull to test positive in the recent outbreak. The Chicago Tribune reported at least one player has entered the protocol every two days since December 1.
“Twenty-two NBA players are currently in COVID-19 protocol, according to CBS Sports, including members of the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets. Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers,” according to The Hill on Sunday.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James also recently tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed in the NBA’s COVID health and safety protocols, and was expected to miss several games as reported by NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, The Daily Wire previously reported:
Two days later, James has tested negative for COVID on multiple occasions and is set to return to the court Friday for the Lakers game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Following two negative PCR tests conducted more than 24 hours apart, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has cleared the NBA’s Health & Safety Protocols,” the NBA said in a statement.
“James was originally placed in the Protocols on Tuesday, November 30 after a series of tests delivered conflicting results, including an initial positive test that was collected on November 29. Additional testing confirmed that he is not a positive case.”
The following was released by the NBA pic.twitter.com/Ct60rHwLLv
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 2, 2021