Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo has been having a spectacular first round 2017 NBA Playoffs series in his return to the Eastern Conference playoffs against his old team, the Boston Celtics. He’s averaged 11.5 PPG, 10 APG and 8.5 RPG in the two games so far as the Bulls have a 2-0 lead heading back to Chicago for games three and four.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, they will be without Rondo indefinitely as he has suffered a fractured thumb, according to the team. He was dealing with a wrist injury heading into the playoffs but it’s unclear if the two injuries are connected.
The Chicago Bulls released the following statement.
Rajon Rondo injured his right hand in Game 2 at Boston on Tuesday night. Rondo underwent a subsequent exam and x-rays that confirmed a thumb fracture. Surgery is not required for this injury, and he is out indefinitely.
Chris B Haynes of ESPN added more detail to Rondo’s injury.
Rajon Rondo's thumb fracture described as "pretty serious," according to source. Possible return depends on how long team can extend season.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 21, 2017
Rondo was injured in Chicago’s 111–97 Game 2 victory over the Boston Celtics after playing 40 minutes in the game.
Looking deeper into Rondo’s performance during this Bulls-Celtics series, the Bulls are +14.5 per 100 possessions with Rondo and -5.4 without him. The Bulls point guard options now are the young duo of Jerian Grant and Michael Carter-Williams. Bulls-Celtics Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Friday night in Chicago.
