Coby

White

White was electric in this one, and he joined Michael Jordan and Zach LaVine as the only Bulls to hit for at least 44 points and seven three-pointers in a single game. This one came down to the final possession, and White made an impact on defense by tipping a pass intended for Franz Wagner and shaving a couple seconds off the clock on the Magic’s final trip down the court. White averaged just 10.7 points across his last six matchups with the Magic, and to say his career night was unexpected is an understatement. He’s scored at least 24 points in four straight and hit multiple three-pointers in seven straight.

Due to the many injuries the Bulls are dealing with, White took on a starring role on Tuesday. The field goal percentage wasn’t the best, but the overall stat line was one that many fantasy managers will live with. And he’s been a positive asset since the All-Star break, providing top-40 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. The Bulls head to Florida for their final two games of Week 18, starting with the reeling Magic on Thursday.

White was initially listed as probable, so it isn’t surprising that he’ll be available. He had 26 points and seven three-pointers in Sunday’s loss to Indiana and will need to replicate that production with Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball and Kevin Huerter all sidelined.

White is dealing with a sprained left (non-shooting hand) thumb, but the probable tag suggests he’ll be allowed to play. With Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder) done for the season, Dalen Terry may be the next man up if White sits. Terry should play consistent rotation minutes the rest of the season, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to merit being rostered in most leagues.

Sunday’s game was a tale of two halves for White. Shooting 8-of-10 from the field, he scored 20 points in the first half, and the Bulls held a one-point lead at the break. The Pacers did a much better job defending White in the second half, and he shot just 2-of-8 from the field, scoring six points. Since the All-Star break, the Bulls guard has provided top-50 value in eight-cat formats. The Bulls have shown no signs of pulling the plug this season, and tanking may prove difficult with Philadelphia and Brooklyn behind them in the standings. That’s a good thing for managers who have White rostered.

Giddey and White are good to go and will form Chicago’s starting backcourt. The duo could have to do some heavy lifting with Lonzo Ball and Kevin Huerter out.

Despite dealing with lower-body injuries, Giddey (left ankle sprain) and White (right first toe soreness) are on track to play against the Pacers on Sunday. If either cannot play, more minutes will be available to Tre Jones, potentially as a starter, since the Bulls will be without Ayo Dosunmu. However, given the “probable” tags for Giddey and White, there’s no need to add Jones.

With the clock winding down at the end of regulation and the Bulls down by four, White hit a 3-pointer and was fouled with under five seconds left. The 25-year-old point guard’s four-point play tied the game and the Bulls would eventually win in overtime. White suffered a cut on his finger earlier this week, but seemed to be over that Friday. He has provided eighth-round value over the last three weeks.

To the surprise of many, White was not on the court to begin Monday’s game after being announced as a starter. The reason: he suffered a cut on his finger just before tip-off. Kevin Huerter started, with White entering about two minutes into the first quarter. While he’s had more productive nights offensively, White’s assists and steals likely helped some category league managers get their Week 17 off to a good start. Over the past three weeks, he has provided eighth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats.

White is available after spraining his right ankle during Saturday’s loss to the Suns. He will take on his usual role within the Bulls’ starting lineup, and there may be more scoring opportunities with Nikola Vucevic (calf) unavailable.