Josh Giddey (wrist) upgraded to available Friday

After shooting a combined 7-of-26 from the field in Chicago’s first three games, Giddey was more accurate on Monday. Unfortunately for him and the Bulls, that didn’t keep them from getting blown out in Boston. Overall, Giddey’s final stat line wasn’t great, but those rostering him can’t ignore that he shot better than in Week 1.

After shooting a combined 4-of-19 from the field in Chicago’s first two games, Giddey was considerably better on Saturday. Although he finished with just nine points, fantasy managers will be pleased with his rebounds and assists. Over three games, Giddey has shot 26.9 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from the foul line, numbers that must improve if he’s to justify his second-round ADP from the preseason.

Giddey, who struggled mightily in Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors, is dealing with a sprained left wrist. However, the probable tag suggests he’ll fill his usual starting point guard role. If Giddey can’t play, Tre Jones is the most likely replacement.

None of the Bulls played particularly well in Wednesday’s 135-92 defeat, so this result can’t be pinned on Giddey alone. The concern for fantasy managers is that his cold shooting in the preseason carried over into Wednesday’s season opener. The hope is that Giddey will bounce back on Friday when the Bulls visit the Bucks, who are also rebuilding.

While he didn’t offer much in the points category, Giddey led the Bulls with seven assists while committing just two turnovers. Even with questions about his shot, Giddey is worth considering as early as the third round in 12-team leagues. While his percentages dipped slightly last season, the Bulls point guard averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers.

Giddey, who underwent right ankle surgery in May, was cleared to play 5-on-5 in early September. He’ll be able to practice without any restrictions when the Bulls open training camp on Tuesday. When available, Giddey offered excellent fantasy value last season, especially in assists. With Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton among the newcomers, Giddey could crack double digits in that category after averaging a career-best 9.1 assists per game last season.

Giddey, who missed 28 games last season with the majority of his absences due to a strained left hamstring, underwent right ankle surgery in May. Given a three-month re-evaluation timeline, the Bulls’ starting point guard recently resumed playing 5-on-5 and has not been restricted in any way. With Giddey now a full go, fantasy managers can approach their drafts with the mindset that he’ll be able to hit the ground running. With the additions of Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton to the Bulls’ roster, Giddey is a legitimate threat to push his assist average into double figures next season (he averaged 9.1 helpers per game in 2025-26).

Less than 24 hours before the start of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Bulls have reportedly addressed their need for a center. Claxton appeared in 69 games for the Nets last season, averaging 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 61.6 percent from the foul line. Playing alongside an established point guard in Josh Giddey could pay dividends for Claxton, but Giddey has been the subject of trade rumors recently. A solid option for managers willing to punt free-throw percentage, Claxton may be able to raise his fantasy ceiling in the Windy City. As for Brooklyn, they’ve got a hole to address at the center position, with Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe being potential options to fill the void.

Giddey missed the final five games of the regular season with a hamstring injury, but it’s his right ankle that’s the reason for the most recent injury update. The Bulls guard underwent the procedure on Wednesday, and the team’s timeline suggests he’ll be good to go when training camp opens in late September. The Bulls are searching for a new head coach after Billy Donovan decided to step down, but this should not negatively affect Giddey’s fantasy outlook for 2026-27.

Giddey is set to close the season having missed the final five games with a hamstring injury. Collin Sexton should continue to start with Giddey sidelined while Tre Jones will also have an increased role.