Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng is itching to get back on the court and has his eyes set on Sunday's much-anticipated rematch vs. the Miami Heat. Is this a smart move?
Deng suffered a torn ligament in his left wrist Saturday vs. the Bobcats and reports indicate that he wore a splint when he left the United Center Wednesday. CSNChicago's Aggrey Sam reported early Friday that Deng "shot a lot" during a voluntary workout session Thursday.
Just a few days ago it was reported that Deng was "week to week" and "out for awhile" according to Tom Thibodeau. That didn't last long...
There's no question as to why Deng has his eyes set on Sunday's game but should he risk further injury?
The Bulls need all the power they can get against Miami. Dwyane Wade could miss his seventh straight game Friday night vs. the Knicks but Miami doesn't seem to be too hurt by his absence. LeBron James helped fill the void making six straight free-throws and finished with 32 points Wednesday against Detroit. Chris Bosh is averaging 28.8 points in his last four games.
Deng is no doubt valuable. He is second on the team with 15. 9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He scored 22 points in his last appearance vs. Charlotte, 21 vs. Cleveland Jan. 20 and 15 vs. Phoenix Jan. 17. He averages 17.1 points per game on the road, 15.9 as a starter. He's had some time to rest which has proven beneficial when it comes to scoring as he averages 16.3 points after one day of rest, 16.5 on two days of rest and 21.0 points on three or more days of rest.
Injuries aren't something to mess around with but in the end, it's all up to the player's comfort level. Deng said Thursday, according to the Chicago Tribune, that he'll play through the pains to stay in the lineup.
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Is it a smart idea for Deng to take the court Sunday? Will the game be worth the threat of worsening his condition?