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Scott Polacek is a featured Columnist for the Chicago Bulls.
The photo was taken by Noah K. Murray.
The Chicago Bulls will be without their leading scorer for Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, DeMar DeRozan was placed in the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols and could miss several games.
The Bulls are early contender in the Eastern Conference and are being led by DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 26.4 points, 5.3 rebound, 4.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
It could have been second-guessed if the Bulls had traded for LaVine instead of acquiring DeRozan, since he was already on the Bulls.
The veteran has been a major presence for the Bulls as a go-to option in the fourth quarter and someone who can anchor the offense for extended stretches. The team looks better than it has in a long time, and is currently sitting in the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Losing players to COVID protocols is nothing new for this squad.
For that reason, Coby White and Javonte Green are both currently in protocols. It will be up to LaVine and others to lead the way this time around, as DeRozan helped the team remain afloat during previous absences.
LaVine will be the top scorer, but Jones and Dosunmu will see more playing time.
The Bulls play the Denver Nuggets on Monday, as well as Cleveland, Miami, and Detroit next week.
The early part of the season will likely be a factor in whether or not the Bulls remain near the top of the Eastern Conference.
