Zach Collins (quad) probable vs. Milwaukee

Essengue sat out Saturday’s loss to the Wizards with a right-side head contusion. If he remains out, Zach Collins may retain the backup center role. Collins played 11 minutes on Saturday, which isn’t enough time to offer tangible fantasy value.

A little over an hour after he was downgraded to questionable, Essengue is now out for Saturday’s game. His absence could lead to Zach Collins returning to the rotation after being a DNP-CD in Friday’s win over the Bucks.

Collins is available to play after being listed as probable on the initial injury report. Because of the time he missed during the preseason with the quad injury, he’ll likely be limited to 12-16 minutes. Collins played nine minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors.

With Nic Claxton (hamstring) sidelined, Smith will serve as the Bulls’ starting center until he returns. “Stix” had a productive first half, scoring 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds, but his production tailed off after halftime. Zach Collins (five rebounds), who played nine minutes, was reportedly limited to 12-16 minutes in his first game back from a quad injury. Smith played 19 minutes, partly because of the nature of the 135-92 defeat. He’s worth rostering in fantasy leagues while the Bulls await Claxton’s return.

Collins, who underwent toe surgery in February, is back after missing the preseason with a quad injury. He’ll add frontcourt depth as the Bulls continue without Nic Claxton (hamstring), but Jalen Smith should start at center. Collins will be limited to 12-16 minutes.

Collins was cleared for full contact this weekend and is now expected to be available for the season opener. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) sidelined, Collins will likely fill out the backup center minutes behind Jalen Smith.

Two days after reports surfaced that Claxton was ramping up his activity after injuring his hamstring early in the preseason, Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter said that the center will be out for another two weeks after being re-evaluated. Jalen Smith started most of the Bulls’ preseason games and should retain that role, increasing his fantasy value. Zach Collins (quad) was not restricted in Monday’s practice, setting him up to be available for Wednesday’s season opener against the Raptors.

Collins, who underwent season-ending toe surgery in February, did not play in any of the Bulls’ preseason games because of a quad injury. However, he has progressed in his recovery and is expected to be available for Wednesday’s season opener against the Raptors. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) still limited in practice, Collins should play rotation minutes. However, given the time missed, his minutes will likely be limited, meaning more playing time for expected starter Jalen Smith.

Collins has been sidelined since undergoing season-ending toe surgery in February. With Nic Claxton dealing with a hamstring injury, Collins could occupy some of the center minutes to start the season, likely behind Jalen Smith. However, “close” isn’t a clear enough timeline for fantasy managers to take action on a potential backup center.

Due to injuries, Collins appeared in just ten games last season before undergoing season-ending toe surgery just after the All-Star break. Unfortunately, while there have been flashes of the potential that led to him being the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, injuries have been a significant issue for the 6-foot-11 forward/center. Since the 2018-19 season, Collins surpassed 65 games played just once in the next seven seasons. Collins’ decision to remain in Chicago gives the Bulls added depth in the frontcourt, but his injury history makes him challenging to rely on in fantasy basketball.