DeMar DeRozan expects a “day by day” recovery after leaving Monday night’s game against the Boston Celtics.
DeRozan hit the hardwood with 8:27 remaining in the third quarter, wincing as he reached for his right leg. At that point, DeRozan argued emphatically with the officials, certain that Boston’s Al Horford had tripped him up. After reviewing the images, DeRozan acknowledged that what he thought was a foot was actually just the parquet floor.
The impact strained a lingering injury, forcing DeRozan to leave the game two minutes later at the 6:26 mark. DeRozan told reporters in Boston that he has been experiencing discomfort in his quad for eight games since late December.
Although the outbreak forced him to leave his first game of the season, one the Bulls nearly won despite a 15-point fourth quarter from Zach LaVine, DeRozan said he didn’t regret playing through the discomfort.
It’s rare for DeRozan to miss a game. He missed just eight games last season, which included two bouts with COVID-19 and a bye night in the regular season finale to prepare for the playoffs. DeRozan prides himself on his durability, which has been a hallmark of his career: Aside from a torn adductor in 2014 with the Toronto Raptors, he’s always available for his team.
“If I sit out of a game, it’s serious,” DeRozan said. “I play a lot that I don’t mention. My entire career, I’ve been stubborn when it comes to it. I just want to always be on the ground.”
DeRozan told reporters that he expects to play the Wizards in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. The Bulls took a day off Tuesday, allowing DeRozan extra time to recover before the game.
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