Alex Caruso and Javonte Green are questionable to play vs. the Philadelphia 76ers

Alex Caruso's presence is needed against the high-scoring Philadelphia 76ers.

The Chicago Bulls can solidify their hold on the 10th place in the Eastern Conference and improve their chances of competing in the Play-in tournament when they take on the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. With just 12 games remaining in the regular season, the Bulls cannot afford a letdown.

However, the team may have to play without guard Alex Caruso who the team listed as questionable to play on their injury report due to left foot soreness.

Chicago also upgraded the status of Javonte Green to "questionable" after missing numerous games following a knee surgery back in January.

Injured against Miami

Caruso sprained his foot in the first half of the game against the Miami Heat, registering five points and two assists in less than 10 minutes of playing time.

Injury Update: Alex Caruso (left mid-foot sprain) is OUT for the remainder of tonight's game vs. Miami. pic.twitter.com/BFiqzgthGF

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 19, 2023

After the game, Bulls coach Billy Donovan explained that Caruso might just have to gut it out if the Bulls are to advance to postseason play.

"I just think it's going to be something that he's going to have to manage this season," Donovan said. "It's just the way it is. There's just not enough time necessarily to rest. He does everything he can from a rehab standpoint. I know our medical people along with doctors felt comfortable with him playing. A lot of it is going to be up to him and how he's doing."

Defensive intensity needed

His numbers may not stand out, but Caruso's defensive skills and IQ play a huge part in the Bulls' defensive excellence this season. Chicago has the eighth-best defensive rating in the league, and Caruso is a major factor in that success. With high-scoring guards James Harden and Tyrese Maxey suiting up for the Sixers on Monday night, the Bulls hope that Caruso can suit up and put in another strong defensive performance.