Hornets vs. Bulls Wednesday NBA injury report, odds: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier expected out, but Zach LaVine may play after all

The Chicago Bulls are being very cautious with All-Star guard Zach LaVine early in the season. Chicago planned to not play him in both ends of a back-to-back. Chicago won in Brooklyn on Tuesday 108-99 behind 29 points from LaVine, and it had been reported by Shams Charania that LaVine would thus sit out tonight at home vs. Charlotte – but he's officially questionable and not out, raising the possibility he will play. The Hornets remain without star LaMelo Ball and are likely without fellow guard Terry Rozier and are 4.5-point underdogs at Caesars Sportsbook.

LaVine had nine points on 4-for-11 shooting from the field before he personally outscored the Nets in the final 12 minutes of the game with 20 points (Brooklyn had 19), going 6-for-10 from the field. LaVine underwent arthroscopic left knee surgery in May, so it's understandable that the Bulls would want to manage his wear and tear. He's averaging 23.8 points on the season and shooting 46.2% from deep, which would easily be a career high.

The Bulls are 3-2 in games he has played. In 19 career games vs. Charlotte, LaVine is averaging 20.8 points, 4.4 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Chicago is also listing reserves Coby White and Andre Drummond as questionable. Neither played on Tuesday.

Charlotte's Ball, whom the Bulls would have taken in a heartbeat at No. 4 in the 2020 draft if the Hornets hadn't grabbed him at No. 3, hasn't played yet due to an ankle injury and probably won't this week. His brother Lonzo hasn't played this year for the Bulls and won't for months.

Rozier, averaging 23.5 points, 8.5 assists and 7.0 rebounds, hasn't played since injuring his ankle on Oct. 21 and is doubtful. Dennis Smith has been starting in his spot.

Both Chicago and Charlotte thrive in limiting opponent fast break points as the Bulls are tied for seventh and the Hornets are first. Chicago was 2-1 in the season series last year but is just 2-3 in its past five at home vs. Charlotte.

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