Chicago

Bulls

Giddey’s nine assists were the most in a game for him since returning from the hamstring injury that sidelined him for eight games. Add in the efficient shooting and solid night on the glass, and fantasy managers had some things to work with on Thursday. Giddey played 28 minutes against the Trail Blazers, and it feels like he’s unlikely to get back into the 30s again this season. Rob Dillingham (5/2/5/3 with one three-pointer) played 23 minutes off the bench, and his opportunities may increase as the Bulls play out the string.

Richards was excellent against Portland, recording his first double-double of the season in 27 minutes off the bench. He played so well that Bulls head coach Billy Donovan inserted him into the lineup to begin the third quarter, with Guerschon Yabusele (six points, five rebounds, one assist and one block) being moved to the bench. With Jalen Smith (calf) out for the foreseeable future, Richards would be worth the risk in deep leagues if he can hold onto that starting center role.

Injuries to Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey have essentially preserved Jones’ minutes, and he’s still capable of providing value when allowed to surpass 25 minutes. The Bulls’ guard logged 27 minutes against the Trail Blazers and replaced Collin Sexton (10 points, three assists, one steal and two three-pointers) in the lineup to begin the third quarter. While unlikely to be a factor in 12-team leagues, Jones is still holding on in some deeper formats.

After scoring 32 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets, Buzelis put up 20 more on Thursday. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t enough to prevent an 11th straight defeat, capping the worst month in franchise history. Given where the Bulls are in the standings, the last month-plus should be a time when they lean heavily on Buzelis, figuring out what he can (and can’t) do with an eye toward the 2026-27 season. If so, that would benefit fantasy managers, even if the shooting efficiency can be problematic at times.

With both Jalen Smith (calf) and Patrick Williams (quad) set to miss at least a week, Sexton will fill out the open spot in the starting unit. Barring more changes from head coach Billy Donovan or other injuries, Sexton should start at least four games, making him worth streaming for now.

Williams’ ramp-up process will begin in about a week, per Bulls coach Billy Donovan. He’ll miss at least four games, though he will likely miss more than that. He started in place of Jalen Smith (calf) in Chicago’s last game, though both are now expected to miss at least a week, meaning Nick Richards could slide in as a starter against Portland on Thursday.

Donovan said that is when Smith’s ramp-up period will begin, which means he will be sidelined for more than that. That means Guerschon Yabusele will continue to start at center for at least four more games, likely more, with Nick Richards filling out the backup minutes.

Jalen Smith (calf) is also doubtful for this game, which means that Nick Richards is likely to play big minutes alongside Guerschon Yabusele. It also means that Donovan Clingan should be in for a big day for Portland.

Smith started Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets but injured his right quad. On Wednesday, he was diagnosed with a strain and appears likely to miss at least one game. With Jalen Smith (calf) also doubtful, the Bulls could turn to Nick Richards to start alongside Guerschon Yabusele.

While Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said on Wednesday that he expects Smith to miss some time after straining his right calf during Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, he is officially listed as doubtful for Thursday’s game. Guerschon Yabusele played 27 minutes as the starting center in Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets, with Nick Richards logging 22 as the backup. Expect a similar setup on Thursday.