Zach LaVine sprained his left thumb, an investigation found Tuesday. The All-Star Guard could still be available to the Bulls despite the injury.
“I think right now it’s about finding out how I can minimize the pain and save the thumb,” LaVine said on Wednesday ESPN. When training the Bulls, the 26-year-old wore a tape around his injured thumb and tested the possible stress with the help of several dribbling drills.
The high flyer has had hand problems for a long time. He suffered the injury to his thumb when the Bulls beat the Raptors (111: 108) on Monday night.
“As long as he doesn’t get another hit on the thumb, he should heal quickly,” said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. Since LaVine’s shooting hand is not affected, the impairment is not too great. Nevertheless, the franchise does not want to take too high a risk.
“Of course I don’t want to put myself in danger. I don’t have all the information yet. I’ll see how I feel tomorrow and then make a decision,” said the Bulls star. “But you know me, if it’s somehow possible to play despite the injury, I’ll do it.”
Should the All-Star fail, it would be a major setback for the Bulls, who have had the best start to the season since the MJ era. On Friday night, the Windy City team will face the New York Knicks in front of a home crowd.
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