Noa

Essengue

Essengue is good to go after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Wizards. His return could mean Zach Collins loses out on playing time after logging 11 minutes the last time out. Neither player should be rostered in redraft leagues.

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.

Essengue was initially listed as probable for this game, but his status has been downgraded. Patrick Williams (groin) has been added to the injury report as questionable, though he would be in line for extra minutes if he plays and Essengue doesn’t. Rookie Dailyn Swain is another option to take on more minutes if both Essengue and Williams are out.

Essengue is probable with a head contusion. The 19-year-old has impressed in limited action so far this season, but should get plenty of opportunities with the Bulls looking to develop their young players this season.

Essengue logged just 18 minutes on Monday and appeared to injure his right thumb on a fall during the second half. He remained in the game after getting his hand taped, but the last thing he needs is another injury after playing only two games as a rookie. The good news for Chicago is that Essengue has been active defensively in the team’s first two games, totaling four steals and six blocks. Even with the acquisition of Nic Claxton, Essengue should have ample opportunities to prove himself during the regular season.

Friday’s game was Essengue’s first action since November 24, as he required season-ending shoulder surgery in early December. With only two NBA games under his belt, this summer league experience is important for the 6-foot-10 forward, who appears to have added some weight/muscle to his slender frame. Essengue didn’t offer much scoring against the Grizzlies, but the six defensive contributions are something that new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter can work with as he rebuilds the team.

While Essengue has not been part of the Bulls’ rotation when healthy, he will miss out on some valuable opportunities, even though that was more likely to happen with the team’s G League affiliate than in Chicago. Essengue’s absence won’t affect redraft leagues, but fantasy managers in dynasty formats will want to stash the lottery pick in an IL slot if possible.

Essengue has only appeared in two games this season, so his absence does not affect fantasy basketball or the Bulls’ rotation. Unfortunately, the shoulder injury means he’s missing out on an opportunity to play significant minutes for the team’s G League affiliate. Essengue should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.

Essengue has played roughly six minutes across two appearances this year. His absence won’t alter Chicago’s rotation.