Bulls Receive Concerning Alex Caruso Injury News Ahead of Play-In Matchup vs Heat

The Chicago Bulls will be even more short-handed than they have been all season in the most important game of the year.

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Alex Caruso has been one of the best players for the Chicago Bulls all season. One of the most underrated guards in the league, Caruso just had the best year of his career, playing in the most games, and averaging career-bests in minutes, points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. His incredible defensive ability was one of the main reasons the Bulls are only one game away from making the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Unfortunately, however, the Bulls will likely be missing Caruso in their crucial play-in matchup against the Miami Heat. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 30-year-old suffered a severe ankle sprain on Wednesday night against the Atlanta Hawks and is now doubtful to play on Friday.

Bulls News: Alex Caruso Likely Out Against Miami in Play-In Game

This is a major blow for the Chicago Bulls. Caruso's intensity and two-way ability were going to be much needed to deal with the veteran experience and competence of the Miami Heat.

The Miami Heat, on the other hand, are dealing with their own injury concerns. In their loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, Jimmy Butler suffered an MCL injury, likely sidelining him against Chicago.

Two short-handed teams will be going head to head in Miami for the chance to earn eight-seed and face the Boston Celtics in the first round. The Bulls have already been without Zach Lavine and Patrick Williams for most of the season and Lonzo Ball for the entire season. Caruso's absence will further deplete their rotation, creating a need for the likes of Ayo Dosunmu, Javonte Green, and Jevon Carter to step up.

This was enough to take care of the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night but Miami is a different beast, even without their superstar Jimmy Butler. In this win-or-go-home matchup, the Heat are currently -120 favorites but the Bulls certainly have a shot at an upset with the way Coby White has been playing.

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