Nikola Vucevic suffers groin strain, timeline for return has yet to be determined, says Billy Donovan

Vooch injury is a massive development for the Bulls.

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls received terrible news on Tuesday night as an MRI exam revealed that starting center Nikola Vucevic has suffered a strained left groin. According to Bulls coach Billy Donovan, the team does not have a firm timeline for the big man’s return, although they hope it isn’t long-term.

Iron man

Vucevic’s absence from Tuesday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks marks his first absence since the 2021-2022 season. He played in all 82 games for the Bulls last season, helping them get within a game of the NBA Playoffs.

The injury occurred in the Bulls’ last game versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the third quarter of that game, Cavaliers’ forward Max Strus drove to the basket and dunked the ball in Vooch’s face. However, Strus’ knee made contact with the big man’s groin, resulting in the injury.

"A lot of it is going to be how he responds to rehab," Donovan said about Vooch’s timeline for a return.

"He obviously was pretty sore after (Saturday's) game and obviously over Christmas. He came in (Tuesday) for treatment."

Nikola Vucevic needs to get his testicles out of Max Strus’ way.

This was called an offensive foul on Strus. JB Bickerstaff is challenging. pic.twitter.com/CdBlHbPofL

— Hoop Informatics (@HoopInformatics) December 24, 2023

Big loss

The Bulls are already playing without several key players, with Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig not expected to return soon. Vucevic joins them on the sidelines, and his averages of 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists will be tricky to replicate. The versatile big man also ranks tenth in the league in double-doubles with 17.

The Bulls slotted former All-Star Andre Drummond in the Bulls’ starting five against the Hawks on Tuesday night. However, this presents a dilemma for Donovan as Chicago doesn’t have a reliable third-string big man.

"When Andre comes off the floor, we're going to have to be somewhat small," Donovan said.

Injury Update: Nikola Vučević (left adductor contusion) is OUT tonight vs. the Hawks. pic.twitter.com/uD54IpQRyK

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 26, 2023

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