Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors are top-ranked teams for the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference respectively. The performances by their corresponding Superstars and support provided by starters can be seen as the main reason for it.
Draymond Green played just 21:14 minutes of the match against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He left the game after suffering a right thigh contusion and was ruled out for the remaining part of the game. His progress will be evaluated on daily basis.
Nikola Vucevic, former Orlando Magic All-Star is also under scrutiny. He was tested positive for Covid-19 and will not be with the team for 10 days as per NBA guidelines. The issue is supposedly aroused during the Bulls matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers last week.
Here is the play where Draymond Green appears to hurt his right knee. Grimaced while shooting free throws, limped back downcourt, needed Warriors to call timeout. Went straight to locker room, hasn't reappeared. pic.twitter.com/z6djM45Rsi
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 11, 2021
Also read: Golden State Warriors Can Make A Lethal Comeback Next Season
Impact of Injury on Warriors vs Bulls game
Both, Draymond Green and Nikola Vucevic are important pieces for their teams. Their performances might not be in the highlight reel but surely significant ones in the team winning record. Vuucevic was currently having hot form. Consecutive double-doubles helped the Bulls to overcome 76’s, Nets, and Mavs. Green also proved his presence felt with assists and gutsy defensive plays for the Warriors.
Any injury at this level is never a good sign for the player. The thigh contusions are the worst ones. But speedy recovery can be expected in contusions. Draymond is been examined at regular intervals. As per the latest update, he is showing positive signs of complete recovery.
In the case of Nikola Vucevic’s absence
Nikola Vucevic surely will be missing the Warrior game, in fact, Bull’s complete road trip. Vucevic averaged 13.6 points and team-high 10.9 rebounds per game while providing 4.3 assists in his 11 games. If we analyze Chicago’s performances, the winning margin for them is +7.3 – highlighting the importance of Vucevic’s contribution.
Bull’s backup centers need to step up. Mainly Tony Bradley and G League center for bulls – Marco Simonovic. Bradley has played in 8 games for the Bulls. While Simonovic was involved in preseason Bulls games. Coach Billy Donovan prefers to play in mid-range and beyond the arc – considering the team dynamics. But DeRozan and LeVine will have to share additional responsibility of rebounding – which might slow the game for the team.
ROSTER UPDATE: We have recalled C Marko Simonovic (@msimonovic99) from the @windycitybulls. pic.twitter.com/vgbopeB4Dm
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 11, 2021
In the case of Draymond Green’s absence
Green has been a centerpiece for the warriors’ offense and defense. Warriors prefer to move the ball, for their primary shooters. This is usually directed by Green. Also, Green would be the rim protector for them while playing with a shorter line up. Green has been a 2017 defensive player and 3-time all-star with the Warriors.
Green highly affect the outcome of the game with his defense and assists. If Green is not in starting line up, Curry might need to rack up some assists. Curry’s understudy Jordan Pool might share the scoring load. The warrior’s roster doesn’t have a traditional center. So, rebounding and second-chance opportunities will be through their forwards Loony, Bijelica, and Wiggins.
Conclusion for the possible absence of Draymond Green and Nikola Vucevic.
Draymond Green and Nikola Vucevic are the mainstays for the 2nd unit of their teams. It seems easier to distribute the load on paper. But it is very difficult on the floor against such top-performing opponents. The bulls have no choice but to make necessary adjustments for the whole road trip. Warriors on other hand can hope to have fit Draymond to snatch up a win.
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