Any team that faces the Boston Celtics naturally generates interest in fans’ minds. While it will mostly be a dominating showcase from the Celts, on odd days, they crumble. Tomorrow, Jayson Tatum & Co. take on the Chicago Bulls, who are amidst a hot and cold run this season. However, there’s another exciting reason to watch out for the game, as the 2x NBA All-Star Zach LaVine has arrived at the trade block once again! This time with much more realistic options.
Just like the front offices of the desperate franchises, fans also will have a close look at the acrobatic star. Ever since he signed the 5-year contract for $215 million, LaVine has been on and off the trade blocks but never really made it out of Chicago. This time it isn’t any different, but there are realistic destinations available.
For instance, the Denver Nuggets. Despite having a generational talent, Nikola Jokić, who is in the form of his life averaging almost a triple-double, the team isn’t a favorite for the title. The team is in desperate need of an offensive machine. Zach LaVine with an average of 21.7 ppg is a definite prize for the team.
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That being said, we need to be sure whether he is playing tomorrow or not. The 6 ‘5 star already missed the last game with back spasms. However, the team didn’t list him on the injury for the Celtics challenge.
For Bulls, Josh Giddey is questionable after not practicing Wednesday due to his ankle injury. Zach LaVine, who missed Monday in Toronto with back spasms, is not listed. Dalen Terry is questionable with right knee contusion. https://t.co/jWmQzOb3LT
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 19, 2024
While LaVine is cleared to play tomorrow, the team has three other players listed on the report. One of them is Josh Giddey. The Aussie baller twisted his ankle in the last game against the Raptors and they have listed him on Questionable category and it’s less likely to see him play, considering his ankle injury history. Other than that, the team listed:
- Dalen Terry (Knee) – Questionable
- E. J. Liddell (Knee) – Out
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Zach LaVine & Co. vs Celtics: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Looking at the Celtics’ injury report, apart from Kristaps Porzingis, the team has everyone in the starting lineup. It’s pretty much like taking on the healthy defending champions. Coby White, who has been having a rough month shooting the ball, should step up against the Celtics to defeat them. Ever since his ankle injury, White has shot 30.8% from the perimeter and 34.8% from the field. So, the Bulls badly need their 24-year-old guard to find his rhythm with this game.
POSITION | STARTING LINEUP | 2nd UNIT | 3rd UNIT |
PG | Lonzo Ball | – | – |
SG | Coby White | Ayo Dosunmu | – |
SF | Zach LaVine | Talen Horton-Tucker | Matas Buzelis |
PF | Patrick Williams | Matas Buzelis | Julian Philips |
C | Nikola Vučević | Jalen Smith | Adama Sanogo |
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On the other hand, Nikola Vučević has also been taking a stroll in the trade block since the league lifted the trade restrictions. The 34-year-old center, who is already averaging 21.1 ppg will have a lot of attention around him just like Zach LaVine.
So, what do you think? Will Vucevic and LaVine set the stage on fire to defeat the defending champions? Let us know in the comments below.
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Can Zach LaVine's performance against the Celtics boost his trade value, or is he staying put?
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Can Zach LaVine's performance against the Celtics boost his trade value, or is he staying put?
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