Chicago Bulls DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (illness) will miss his first game of the 2024-25 campaign on Friday against the Hornets. The 34-year-old has played at an All-Star-caliber level this season, averaging 21.0 points, 9.8 boards, and shooting 47.4% from behind the arc. Without him, Jalen Smith will presumably enter the starting lineup, immediately giving him credibility as a streaming option and DFS value play. Josh Giddey, Zach LaVine, and Coby White could also see a bump on the scoring end with Vucevic sidelined.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (back) is cleared to suit up in Friday's matchup versus the Charlotte Hornets. Like his teammate, Zach LaVine (back), he was battling back spasms. However, it won't cost Giddey his first game of the 2024-25 campaign. The 22-year-old has played well in his first season in Chicago, averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, although he may be even more productive in the favorable matchup against the Hornets.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) said he will play in Friday's game against the Hornets. The 23-year-old has been out of commission since November because of issues with his left foot, the same one he had surgery on back in March. With that in mind, he has averaged only 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds this season, so he isn't the most dependable fantasy option. But Williams' return could at least mean less work for Ayo Dosunmu and Matas Buzelis.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) is questionable for Friday's game against the Hornets. The 23-year-old has been sidelined for nearly a month because of an issue with his surgically-repaired left foot. However, he may need a few more days to recover, although the questionable designation is a step in the right direction. With that in mind, since Williams has averaged only 9.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this season, there aren't many fantasy managers concerned with his availability. But until Williams is back on the floor, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 15.5 points in 12 starts this season, should remain with the first five.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (back) is questionable for Friday's encounter with the Charlotte Hornets. The 22-year-old has played as well as expected in his first season in The Windy City, logging 11.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per contest. He's dealing with back spasms, so there's a chance it could keep him off the floor. If that is the case, Lonzo Ball (knee), who is probable, may see additional minutes, with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu also in line for more work and scoring opportunities.