Isaac

Okoro

After coming off the bench in his first game back from a knee injury that cost him just over two weeks, Okoro was in the Bulls’ starting lineup on Friday. And he had one of his most productive games of the season, recording his third 20-point game while shooting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. The Bulls have better offensive options, but these final weeks of the season represent a good opportunity for Okoro to be more aggressive on that end of the floor. The Bulls visit the Grizzlies on Saturday, but that could be an injury-management day for Okoro.

Okoro played through a questionable tag on Wednesday and ended up logging 23 minutes off the bench. That was his first game back after missing seven in a row. He should play a similar role in this game, though that isn’t enough for him to be considered a target in fantasy hoops.

Okoro was also questionable ahead of Wednesday’s loss to the 76ers, a game in which he played 23 minutes. With Jalen Smith (calf) done for the season, Okoro could be back in the starting lineup on Friday if he’s able to play.

Richards, who started Wednesday’s game, is done for the night after nine first-half minutes due to a right elbow injury. With Jalen Smith (calf) also exiting before halftime, the Bulls inserted Patrick Williams and Isaac Okoro into the lineup to begin the third quarter. Richards finished with two points and five rebounds.

Okoro is back after a seven-game absence, which will likely cause a change to the Bulls’ starting lineup. Nick Richards could be headed to the bench, but the equation likely changes if Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid is available.

Okoro was initially listed as doubtful after missing Chicago’s last seven games, but he could return to take on Philadelphia. Nick Richards has been starting recently, but he will likely return to playing a role off the bench if Okoro is cleared to play.

Chicago’s frontcourt remains thin due to numerous injuries, and Nick Richards, Lachlan Olbrich and Leonard Miller should continue to see increased run until Yabusele and Okoro return. Jalen Smith should be front and center.

Chicago’s already-thin frontcourt will be down two more players, and Nick Richards, Lachlan Olbrich and Leonard Miller could enjoy additional playing time against Houston.

Okoro has missed Chicago’s last six games with a right knee injury, and he’s likely to remain out on Monday. Leonard Miller has moved into the starting lineup and should retain that role.

Thursday’s game will be the sixth that Okoro has missed due to a right knee injury. Leonard Miller has been his replacement in the starting lineup and should retain that role until Okoro returns.