Chicago Bulls’ top scorer Zach LaVine is sitting out the game against the Utah Jazz on Monday night because of a right adductor strain.
LaVine, who has been averaging 22.7 points in Chicago’s first six games, injured his muscle during a 120-112 loss to Brooklyn on Friday. He scored 21 points in 34 minutes that game.
Coach Billy Donovan explained that the two-time All-Star’s injury got worse over the weekend, and LaVine still felt tightness in his thigh during the team’s morning shootaround.
“I think they wanted to make sure it didn’t turn into something more significant,” Donovan said, adding that LaVine is considered day to day.
Utah forward Lauri Markkanen is also out, missing his third consecutive game due to back spasms. The Jazz, who have yet to win a game this season and are 0-6, are also dealing with the loss of young forward Taylor Hendricks, who is out for the year after breaking his right fibula. Hendricks will need surgery.
