On Monday afternoon, reports indicated Chicago Bulls’ guard Alex Caruso was questionable with a wrist injury. Now that tip-off vs. the Pacers is approaching, the team officially ruled Caruso out with a left wrist contusion.

This will leave a defensive hole in the Bulls’ lineup, meaning Lonzo Ball will have to step up. Additionally, Caruso’s absence gives Coby White a prime opportunity to continue the hot streak he had in the fourth quarter vs. the Knicks. White’s scoring ability can help offset the Chicago missing Caruso’s defensive presence.

With Caruso and Nikola Vucevic both out, the Bulls recalled Marko Simonovic. Simonovic has bounced between the Bulls and the G League this season. He still hasn’t gotten any playing time at the NBA level.

However, tonight is a good opportunity for Billy Donovan to give him a few minutes of playing time. It’s the second game of a back-to-back for Chicago. The Pacers outsize the Bulls, so Simonovic’s length may come into play especially if Chicago mounts a sizable lead.

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