Tyson

Chandler

The Houston coaching staff is scrambling as they try and figure out how they will stand a chance without Chandler available. In all seriousness, Chandler can be avoided in fantasy lineups unless you’re competing for the lowest possible score.

From a fantasy standpoint this means nothing, as outside of a couple untimed free throws Chandler has not played at all in the bubble. But he, like Danuel House, was being investigated by the NBA for a potential violation of the league’s COVID-19 rules. Chandler was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing and is available for Game 4 after having been ruled out for Game 3. House won’t play Thursday night, and it’s possible that he could be forced to miss the remainder of this series.

Chandler has missed two games with esophagitis.

“There’s no question about that,” coach Scott Skiles said of the improved physical condition of his players. "(Curry) and Tyson (Chandler) never could have made it through a practice like [Tuesday’s] last year. When I say make it through, I mean with any sort of quality.” Chandler is believed to be over the back issues that plagued him last year.

The Bulls only recently let him resume full-contact workouts. “My first time out there was a couple of weeks ago, and I took my first hit,” Chandler said. “I jumped up, got hit real hard and got bent back. I was expecting pain and paused for a second. There was no pain. So I feel great.” Chandler could be a top fantasy forward if he can stay healthy this season. Still, he can’t be drafted as if he were going to play in 82 games.

Chris Duhon, Luol Deng and Antonio Davis will start for the Bulls. Eric Piatkowski, Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry will head to the bench. If the move is permanent, Chandler’s fantasy value is questionable at best.

Scott Skiles decided to start Othella Harrington because he likes having Chandler provide a spark off the bench. Based on this scenario, Chandler owners should not expect much more than they’ve gotten from him thus far. He likely will not be starting this season unless the Bulls have some injury problems. The good news is that Chandler is an important player for the Bulls and should continue to see between 25-30 minutes a night.

The Bulls said holding him out was just precautionary, and that this injury is not related to the one that kept Chandler out 47 games last season. The Bulls’ leading rebounder and shot blocker should be able to play.

Chandler will be fine for training camp.

This was the first time the duo has each gone over 20 points in a game. They’re only getting better.