The Chicago Bulls are looking to make it three straight victories on Wednesday night as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It is an important game for the Bulls, as all are right now in a crowded race for a playoff spot in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
The Bulls will be a little more shorthanded than expected, though. K.C. Johnson shared that according to Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, Troy Brown Jr. will miss the game against the Cavaliers.
Troy Brown Jr. is out vs. Cavs, per Billy Donovan.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 21, 2021
Brown Jr. was acquired at the trade deadline and has quickly earned himself a role on the team as they push for a playoff spot. He has made 13 appearances for the Bulls and in those appearances averaged 18.2 minutes per game.
His scoring isn’t eye-popping, but his versatility when watching is. Brown Jr. does a little bit of everything and has had games where he has made a huge impact regardless of what the final box score stated.
What Brown Jr.’s absence means for the Chicago Bulls
He has also done a great job more often than not on defense, which is a key area of need for this Bulls group. With the wing set to miss this game with an injury, it is expected that players like Denzel Valentine will have increased opportunity.
The last time these two teams played, which was on April 17, Brown Jr. did a good job in his 17 minutes of action off the Bulls bench. His role was key in a big bench performance in that one, though it was not through scoring the ball.
Brown Jr. rebounded very well from the wing spot, ending the game with five rebounds. He joins Zach LaVine in missing this game, as the Bulls all-star guard continues to be in the league’s health and safety protocols.