MIAMI — Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso has been cleared to play in Friday’s play-in game against the Heat, coach Billy Donovan said.
Caruso suffered a left ankle injury on Wednesday night when center Andre Drummond stepped on his right foot during the Bulls’ victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the play-in tournament. After colliding with Drummond, Caruso said he re-aggravated an issue he had been nursing down the stretch this season.
However, by Friday morning, Caruso said the swelling around his ankle had not been an issue and he said following shootaround that he was expecting to be ready to go for Friday’s elimination game.
The Bulls and Heat will match up for the No. 8 seed for the second consecutive season with the winner advancing to face the Boston Celtics, beginning on Sunday.
Injuries have affected both teams heading into Friday’s matchup. Miami will be without forward Jimmy Butler (MCL sprain) and Terry Rozier (neck).
Donovan also announced that guard Ayo Dosunmu (quad) and Drummond (ankle), who were listed as questionable, are also active for the Bulls.
