Nate Robinson, Luol Deng May Miss Game 6 With Illnesses

Apr 25, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) calls a time out against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the United Center. Chicago defeats Brooklyn 79-76. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) calls a time out against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the United Center. Chicago defeats Brooklyn 79-76. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) calls a time out against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the United Center. Chicago defeats Brooklyn 79-76. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (2) calls a time out against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the United Center. Chicago defeats Brooklyn 79-76. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are used to playing short-handed this season, but they may have to stretch themselves pretty thin tonight as point guard Nate Robinson may miss Game 6 after suddenly coming down with an illness prior to game-time.

Robinson has been the pulse of the Bulls in the postseason with his epic Game 4 performance pulling the Bulls out to a commanding 3-1 series lead. In that game the Bulls were trailing big at home to the Nets but Robinson’s 29 fourth quarter points helped juice the Bulls and give them motivation to pull out a triple-overtime win over Brooklyn.

Losing Robinson would be a potentially devastating loss. Chicago is looking to close out the NEts for the second straight time, failing to do so earlier this week. Should Robinson not be able to play, rookie Marquis Teague would make his first ever postseason start and would be feeling some insane pressure to perform up to par.

Forward Luol Deng may also miss the game, as there seems to be a bug going around the Bulls locker room and everyone seems to be getting it.

But if there is one team equipped to survive a thin roster, it’s the Chicago Bulls. Nate Robinson’s existence on the Bulls roster was made in large part to the loss of Derrick Rose, and beyond that guys like Rip Hamilton and Joakim Noah have struggled with injuries as have guys like Taj Gibson and others. Essentially, it’s almost a rite of passage at this point to be injured on the Bulls, but that only means they know how to work he system and not let injuries drag them down.

At least one can hope.