Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (rest) won't feature against the Wizards on Friday. He sits out the second leg of a back-to-back for rest purposes. With Andre Drummond (ankle) already on the shelf, it looks like we'll get to know Adama Sanogo a lot better on Friday. Smaller lineups could also give extra playing time to Dalen Terry, Torrey Craig, and Javonte Green.
Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic Starting With No Restrictions
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan says that minutes restrictions for guard Zach LaVine (foot) and center Nikola Vucevic have been lifted and both players will start on Wednesday versus the Houston Rockets. Vucevic has functioned from the second unit since returning on Jan. 5 from a five-game absence with a strained groin, but the 33-year-old two-time All-Star should play closer to his 33.6 minutes per game against Houston. Vucevic is safe to start in all fantasy formats if he wasn't already. Andre Drummond will revert to the bench, with his value significantly dropping. Listed as probable ahead of Wednesday, LaVine is cleared to play with no limitations and should be trusted in season-long lineups despite shaking off the rust from his 17-game absence due to inflammation in his right foot. It's unclear who LaVine is bouncing out of the starting five, but Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams stand to lose some shine.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (groin) is expected to play on Monday against the Hornets. The 33-year-old veteran returned on Friday night versus Charlotte, the first of consecutive meetings between the clubs, after a five-game absence. He came off the bench, operating under a minutes cap and finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. He'll likely spend more time on the floor in his second game back from the layoff, so he's still worth starting in any fantasy setup. Unfortunately, Vucevic's likely increased workload isn't good for Andre Drummond, who has been playing well in the starting lineup.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (groin) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran big man will make his return to the court after missing the last five games due to a groin issue. His return means that Andre Drummond will head back to the bench. It was a nice run for Drummond, but his value will take a hit now. Vucevic will be on a minutes limit on Friday, so Drummond might have one more decent streaming game left in him.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (groin) is questionable for Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. The veteran has missed the last five games with a left-groin strain, although there's a good chance he isn't ready to return. However, the questionable designation at least means he's moving in the right direction. At any rate, Vucevic has averaged 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds this season, so Chicago could use him back in the lineup. But until he's ready to return, Andre Drummond, who is averaging 19.4 boards, 14.0 points, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks in five starts during the 2023-24 campaign, should remain in all fantasy lineups.
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan says there's no clear timetable for a return for center Nikola Vucevic (groin), and the 33-year-old big man won't practice this week with the Windy City Bulls like injured teammate Zach LaVine (foot) has. Vucevic was already ruled out for Chicago's current two-game road trip, but this is a more concerning development. The Bulls initially anticipated that Vooch's strained left groin would sideline him between seven and 10 days as of Dec. 27. But since the two-time All-Star won't practice this week, it's fair to assume he will remain out until at least Monday against the Charlotte Hornets. Andre Drummond has logged two 20-rebound efforts in three games without Vucevic and will continue to enjoy heightened fantasy value in the meantime.
Nikola Vucevic Out At Least A Week With Groin Strain
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (groin) will miss at least the next 7-to-10 days due to a strained left groin. Vucevic played all 82 games last season, but the durable big man has been bit by the injury bug for his first extended absence this year. The 33-year-old two-time All-Star is providing 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 threes per game, ranking as a third-round fantasy player overall without a missed game until Tuesday night. It's a big blow to Chicago and fantasy managers alike, with Andre Drummond's stock skyrocketing overnight after dominating the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday for a monster 24-point, 25-board double-double and three steals plus two blocks. Drummond, a four-time rebounding champion, will supply boards, a high field-goal percentage, defensive stats, and a bit of playmaking, but free-throw shooting, turnovers, and a lack of three-pointers will be a major issue.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic recorded his first 20-20 game in the team's colors on Wednesday, completing a 115-104 loss against Dallas with 21 points and 20 rebounds. It's his eighth career 20-20 game overall. Vucevic maneuvered his way there with 10-for-17 shooting, hitting 1-for-3 from deep. In 36 minutes on the court, he also snagged a pair of steals and posted one assist. Vucevic missed a 20-20 night by just three rebounds in Monday's win over Indiana, so he must have been very pleased that he managed to get over the line Wednesday night. The Bulls' next outing against the Nets could also be a highly productive one for Vucevic, as Brooklyn has struggled badly against opposing bigs without their starting center Nicolas Claxton (ankle).
Retaining Nikola Vucevic Was Chicago's "No. 1 Goal"
According to Bulls general manager Marc Eversley, keeping center Nikola Vucevic on the roster was the team's "No. 1 goal." The veteran signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with Chicago this offseason after averaging 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds in 2022-23. The Bulls have seemingly flirted with the idea of entering a rebuilding phase. However, it appears Vucevic's presence on the roster is critical for the team, so he's unlikely to get moved elsewhere anytime soon. That said, although his production has dipped in the last few seasons and his defensive skills are lacking, he remains a potent fantasy option as long as he stays healthy, which was an issue before he landed in Chicago.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, center Nikola Vucevic and the Bulls are nearing a three-year, $60 million contract extension. Many were under the impression Chicago would hit the reset button this offseason. However, it appears the team is looking to remain competitive by bringing back the two-time All-Star. Vucevic appeared in all 82 games for the first time in his career in 2022-23 and averaged 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds. Although the 32-year-old isn't as productive as he was while with the Orlando Magic, he should remain a top fantasy center for at least a few more years, assuming he stays healthy.
