After nearly three weeks on the sidelines with a calf injury, Chicago Bulls star big man Nikola Vucevic finally made his return to action on Monday night against the visiting Indiana Pacers at United Center in Chicago.
However, Vucevic did not immediately assume his usual role as the Bulls' starting center, with Chicago rolling with former Gonzaga Bulldogs star Zach Collins in the first five instead.
It was just the second time in Vucevic's career with the Bulls that he had to enter a game off the bench, but that should just be a temporary setup for him.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said after the Bulls' 121-103 win over the Pacers that Vucevic will soon return to the starting unit (h/t K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network).
Vucevic, who was traded to the Bulls in 2021 by the Orlando Magic, could potentially return to the starting unit in Chicago's next game on Thursday opposite the Brooklyn Nets at home.
Despite limited minutes in the Pacers game, the 34-year-old USC Trojans product managed to score 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field and grab 11 boards in 24 minutes. Those were enough for the two-time NBA All-Star to surpass Horace Grant for the No. 3 spot on Chicago's all-time double-doubles list.
On the season, Vucevic is averaging 19.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game for the Bulls, who are now on a three-game win streak.
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This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 10:14 PM.