Apr 14, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts after a foul call during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls will have All-Star guard Zach LaVine back when they face the Charlotte Hornets on the road on Thursday night, according to NBC Sports Chicago.
Lavine has missed the past 11 games after entering the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocol.
LaVine, 26, was averaging a career-best 27.5 points per game when he was sidelined, along with 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.
Coach Billy Donovan said Lavine had rejoined the team for practices on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“He’s excited to be back playing,” Donovan said. “I think for him getting in the gym was good.”
Related: NBA games today – Full offseason schedule, including start of NBA free agency
The Bulls (26-39) went 4-7 without Lavine, falling to four games behind the 10th-place Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference. This season’s play-in tournament will feature the seventh- through 10th-place teams competing for the final two playoff spots in each conference.
It’s unclear whether LaVine tested positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to someone who did.
–Field Level Media