Bulls Best Hawks, Face Heat for Chance at Series vs. Celtics

Bobby Krivitsky | Apr 19, 2024

Apr 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) defends Chicago Bulls guard Coby White. / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

A career night from Coby White, who registered a game-high 42 points on 15/21 shooting, propelled the Chicago Bulls past the Atlanta Hawks in Wednesday night's play-in tournament tilt in the Windy City.

While White was the star that shined brightest in this matchup, the hosts' balanced attack featured five players scoring in double-figures in their 131-116 victory. 

Nikola Vucevic registered 24 points and 12 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Ayo Dosunmu tallied 19 points on 8/12 shooting, and former Boston Celtics wing Javonte Green paired ten points with six rebounds and four assists.

The Bulls now travel to Miami for a Friday night clash. The winner will face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. The loser will start their summer vacation.

As they prepare to fight for their season, the Heat will likely have to circumnavigate Jimmy Butler's absence. The six-time All-Star injured his knee after an awkward landing, with Kelly Oubre falling on the afflicted area following a layup attempt. The play occurred near the end of the first quarter of Miami's 105-104 play-in tournament loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. 

As reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, there's fear Butler suffered an MCL injury in his knee that could sideline him for an indefinite period.

Chicago's also dealing with an injury to one of its most impactful players. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Alex Caruso has a "significant" left ankle sprain, placing his availability for Friday night's game in doubt. 

The injury occurred when six-foot-11, 279-pound center Andre Drummond inadvertently stepped on Caruso's foot early in the third frame of the Bulls' victory vs. the Hawks on Wednesday.

Further Reading

Brad Stevens Addresses Potential Extension with Derrick White

Brad Stevens Notes Crucial Element of Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'Bigger Than Themselves'

After Career Night, Reflective Payton Pritchard Discusses NBA Journey and His Ultimate Pursuit

'Nip That in the Bud': Celtics Address End-of-Season Struggles

Jrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: 'Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings'

Aiming to Maximize Championship Window, Celtics Extend Jrue Holiday

Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'