The Bulls ruled Nic Claxton out with a hamstring injury on Monday, a step up from day-to-day. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, with Nov. 4 listed as the expected return.
What happened
Nic Claxton was listed as out with a hamstring injury (leg) on the injury report Monday, Oct. 19, at 1:54 p.m. ET. He had been day-to-day with the same hamstring issue since Monday, Oct. 5, so the status has now worsened. The report's comment says Claxton will be re-evaluated in two weeks, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network. The expected return date on the report is Nov. 4. No other details on the severity of the injury have been announced.
What it means for the Bulls
The Bulls open the season at the Raptors on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and they will do it without their center. Claxton, 27, played 69 games last season and averaged 27.8 minutes, 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Those minutes and rebounds now need a new home. Based on last season's rotation without him, Josh Giddey (32.1 minutes), Nikola Vucevic (30.8) and Matas Buzelis (29.2) took on the biggest loads. Vucevic is the most natural fit at center. The Bulls are 0-0, so there is no record with or without Claxton yet. Isaac Okoro is also day-to-day.
What to watch
The next checkpoint is the re-evaluation in two weeks, which falls around Nov. 2. The report lists Nov. 4 as the expected return, but the Bulls have not announced a firm timeline beyond the re-evaluation. Watch the injury report before each game for any change in his status. Chicago also has Isaac Okoro, Tobe Awaka and Zach Collins listed as day-to-day, so the frontcourt and wing depth could be tested early. The opener at Toronto on Oct. 21 is the first game he is expected to miss.
Is Nic Claxton playing at the Raptors on Oct. 21?
No. Claxton is listed as out with a hamstring injury, so he will not play at the Raptors on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
When will Nic Claxton be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Nov. 4. The Bulls will re-evaluate his hamstring in two weeks, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network. No firm timeline beyond that has been announced.