The Chicago Bulls have come under intense health and safety scrutiny lately and it’s no thanks to players of the team, 10 in total, currently in COVID-19 protocol. As a result, the NBA has postponed the 6-time champions’ next two games against the Detroit Pistons, Tuesday December 14, and Toronto Raptors on Thursday December 16.
The following was released by the NBA pic.twitter.com/afG3OqvqlB — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 13, 2021
TOO SMALL IN NUMBER TO FIELD A TEAM Forward Alize Johnson tested positive Monday morning, adding a 10th to the previous nine players out due to COVID-19 concerns. Currently, All-Stars, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, as well as Coby White, Javonte Green, Matt Thomas, Derrick Jones Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, Troy Brown and Stanley Johnson are out in addition to Johnson. While White and Green have passed their required 10 days in protocols, their statuses for Tuesday’s game were unclear at time of postponement. The Bulls had only eight players available for the Pistons game — precisely the league minimum required to field a team, and thus, hold a game.
Bulls have 10 players in protocols now — with hope that guard Coby White can return on Tuesday night vs. Detroit. For now, the Bulls have eight active players — the league minimum to play a game. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 13, 2021
CANCELLED GAMES MARKS THE FIRST IN CURRENT SEASON The NBA postponed 31 games due to Covid-19 last season, but Monday’s announcement marks the first time games have been called off in the 2021-2022 campaign. The Bulls, who are among several NBA teams to have a fully vaccinated roster, are third in the Eastern Conference standings with a 17-10 record this year.
pic.twitter.com/NbwDqRdeO3 — Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 13, 2021