Chicago Bulls DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) is still unable to sprint as he continues to rehab his left knee. "I don't know if he's stuck," said Bulls head coach Billy Donovan on Tuesday. "He is doing some shooting, some running, some jumping. He hasn't done any sprinting yet, that I know." Donovan added, "They talked about that, and [sprinting] was kind of a goal, a set point. I do think the one thing that has been a priority right now, so he does not get set back, is he needs to develop more strength in his leg." Ball last played in the NBA in January 2022.

Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith (back) will play on Monday against Toronto. He returned to action from a four-game absence on Sunday versus Dallas and is good to go again against the Raptors, despite being initially regarded as questionable for the game with lower back spasms. Smith is a very effective player but typically doesn't receive a lot of playing time behind Indiana's starting center Myles Turner. He had eight points and five rebounds in 19 minutes in his only previous appearance against the Raptors this season.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) will see his 2023-2024 campaign come to an abrupt end. Williams is reportedly expected to undergo season-ending foot surgery. He hasn't played since January 25, and Williams wasn't making strong progress in his recovery process. He played in all 82 games last season but will see his 2023 campaign cut short. He'll finish with averages of 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.7 combined blocks/steals across 27.3 minutes. Ayo Dosunmu remains a must-have player with the Bulls shorthanded right now.

Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Smith (back) is questionable for Thursday's game against the visiting Pistons. The 23-year-old missed the Pacers' three games entering the All-Star break because of back spasms, so hopefully, the extra time off allowed him time to get things right. Smith has averaged 10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds this season, so he's worthy of starting consideration in some fantasy setups. However, if he doesn't return versus Detroit, Isaiah Jackson should benefit. That said, Jackson will have a tough time doing anything meaningful for fantasy managers with Myles Turner (illness) off the injury report for Thursday.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) will miss a 10th consecutive game on Thursday against the Celtics. Williams is trying to return from a left foot injury, but he is reportedly still experiencing mild discomfort and isn't running yet. According to Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, the team will be "very, very careful" with Williams. With Torrey Craig (knee) also dropping out of the lineup ahead of Thursday's game, Donovan will need to get creative with his rotation.