Nic Claxton Ruled Out Monday as Bulls' Miserable Start Continues

Nic Claxton's hamstring is officially keeping him in street clothes for another night. The Chicago Bulls center has been ruled out for Monday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, delaying his season debut yet again.

If you were holding out hope that the former Brooklyn Net would finally step on the floor and save your fantasy week, it is time to hit the waiver wire. Claxton has not logged a single minute this season, turning his highly anticipated arrival in Chicago into an extended phantom limb situation.

"Underdog NBA reported Claxton is listed out for Monday."

The Bulls are currently sitting at a miserable 1-5, which is exactly the kind of start that makes a lingering soft-tissue injury feel like a curse. Chicago desperately needs his interior presence, especially considering he was a nightly double-double threat who anchored the paint during his Brooklyn tenure.

Right now, expecting a Bulls turnaround feels like putting your life savings on a coin flip where the coin is actively on fire. Going up against a Philadelphia squad that is rolling at an Eastern Conference-best 6-1 is already a nightmare assignment. Doing it without your starting center is just asking to get completely bullied in the paint.

For the sickos staring at the prop markets, Claxton's absence means Chicago's backup bigs are going to have to eat a ton of minutes against a buzzsaw. Rebounding and block props for whoever draws the short straw in the Bulls rotation are going to be heavily scrutinized by anyone brave enough to put money on this roster.

The Bulls will have to figure out a way to survive Monday night without their defensive anchor. Until Claxton can actually string together a few full practices without his hamstring barking, expect Chicago to keep getting pushed around inside while the losses pile up.