Ayo

Dosunmu

LaVine has not missed a game this season, playing 33 minutes or more in each. Should that change and he cannot play against Utah, Ayo Dosunmu would play more minutes, possibly as a starter. Julian Phillips may also take on more playing time in this scenario, but Dosunmu is the player to target.

The Bulls have been focused on keeping Ball’s knee fresh after two years on the shelf, but it appears like he’s dealing with a new injury. There’s been no indication that Ball’s wrist injury is serious, though. Ayo Dosunmu could benefit from him missing a game or two.

With Josh Giddey not playing, Dosunmu moved into the starting lineup as Chicago rolled out its preferred quintet from a season ago. Ayo played well in the overtime victory, but the fantasy prospects heading into the regular season aren’t great. In addition to Giddey, Zach LaVine, and Coby White, Lonzo Ball may factor into the rotation, although his minutes will be watched closely. Dosunmu’s value is likely to come as a streamer this season.

Ball said in May that he intends to be available to start next season, but next month should be a good indicator of his exact timeline. He said that participating in 5-on-5 will be his “first real test”, but that everything in his recovery has been going well recently. They’ll likely keep him on a strict load management plan, and he will compete with Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Josh Giddey for minutes in the backcourt.

Give Donsunmu credit for not allowing the shooting struggles to limit what he did in other areas, as he accumulated four assists, three steals, and two blocked shots. However, a cold night from three (2-of-11) sank Dosunmu’s field-goal percentage like a stone. Friday was a disappointing ending for a player who made significant strides after the Bulls lost Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams to season-ending foot injuries. Dosunmu provided 11th-round per-game value in 9-cat formats and 12th-round value in 8-cat. Where he’s selected in drafts ahead of next season depends on the availability of LaVine and Williams, with the latter being a restricted free agent.

Dosunmu has been upgraded from questionable to active after logging 41 minutes against the Hawks. That figure could drop depending on Alex Caruso’s health, though.

Both players were questionable ahead of Wednesday’s matchup with Atlanta after sitting out the final game of the regular season (or in Drummond’s case final three games), but they were both available to play. Though they are questionable again, there shouldn’t be much fear that they will sit out. Alex Caruso is officially questionable, and he is the only player that may end up missing Friday’s game.

Dosunmu missed the regular season finale, but he will be available to play in their Play-In matchup with Atlanta. Javonte Green started in his place in their last game, so he will likely return to the bench for this one. Dosunmu may continue to be listed on the injury report, but he should be available to play as long as they’re still in the postseason.

Dosunmu and Drummond were not available to end the regular season, with the former missing Chicago’s final four games and the latter the final three. Dosunmu’s absence has impacted the Bulls’ rotation more, as Javonte Green has replaced him in the starting lineup. If Dosunmu is available for Wednesday’s game, Green will likely return to the bench. As for Drummond, his return would mean fewer minutes for Dalen Terry, who played 24 off the bench in Sunday’s loss to the Knicks.

Dosunmu and Green were questionable on the initial injury report, so the latter’s availability may have depended on the status of the former. Dosunmu will miss a fourth straight game, with Green again replacing him in the starting lineup. While the Bulls technically have nothing to play for, Javonte should come close to starters’ minutes.