Brandon

Sampson

Joining TLC in the starting five will be Walter Lemon Jr., Shaquille Harrison, Wayne Selden and Robin Lopez in Chicago’s 18th, and perhaps grossest, starting lineup of the year. Luwawu is coming off an 18-point game, and he should see plenty of run with the Bulls devoid of other options, so he could be worth a dart throw in DFS.

Sampson has been playing for the Windy City Bulls but he missed their G League playoff game to make his first NBA start. He’s also the 17th different player to start for Chicago this season, a testament to the team’s injuries, roster changes and emphasis on player development. “It’s fun to see guys get a chance and see guys go out and compete,” coach Jim Boylen said after Tuesday’s game. “I thought Brandon competed ... Brandon played well. He attacks the basket, he point-fives it. Everything’s a learning moment for him.” It’s a nice storyline late in the season, but fantasy owners should look elsewhere for reliable production.

The Bulls are missing 80% of their usual starting lineup, so Sampson is likely looking at some minutes. Lauri Markkanen is just “worn out” according to coach Jim Boylen, but he may not be out for long. Sampson is a desperation stream or DFS play.

Markkanen exited Tuesday’s game by halftime due to the illness, which resulted in Brandon Sampson starting the second half, he could potentially be looking at his first career start tonight. Sampson finished Tuesday’s game with 10 points, three boards, two assists, one 3-pointer, one steal and two turnovers across 23 minutes, so we wouldn’t view him as much more than a low-end streamer in deep leagues.

He was in the rotation and scored his five points in the first half because of no Zach LaVine. Sampson is on a two-way deal and signed in late December, so the Bulls should be able to keep him around. He’s only worth a look in deep leagues if the Bulls lose another wing even after LaVine.

He will spend most of his time developing in the G-League, but will have 45 days of NBA eligibility. Sampson is not on the fantasy radar for now.