Chicago Bulls May Be Without Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich for Game 2

The Chicago Bulls shocked the NBA world on Monday night when they went into Miami and stole a game from the Miami Heat. But that might be something that may not happen twice, as the Bulls were lucky to get a win while being banged up and the injury news isn’t getting any better. All-Star forward Luol Deng is no longer hospitalized, but he remains doubtful to play in Game 2 after getting a spinal tap last week. Add point guard Kirk Hinrich to the doubtful list as well, meaning the Bulls could be running with a bare bones lineup once again.

Hinrich is the more  likely of the two to play, although he admitted that “nothing” had changed in terms of his calf feeling better. Hinrich’s calf is an injury that’s been bothering him since the middle of Chicago’s series against the Nets and while they Bulls have been winning without him, they’re in a position where they need every body available.

Deng is a little more serious, as he was hospitalized twice recently after suffering from migraines and a back injury. Deng underwent a spinal tap last week and missed the Bulls last two games against the Nets. He drew some criticism when it was reported he was missing time due to a headache, but once word of the spinal tap surfaced, there was a wave of understanding.

Chicago seems to have gotten lucky so far in the postseason, from battling through injuries to eliminate the Brooklyn Nets to beating the Heat on the road in Game 1 of their Semifinals series. But there will come a time when the luck runs out, and Chicago will only be able to survive against the Heat with a lineup of Nate Robinson, Jimmy Butler and Marco Belinelli for so long.