Rob

Dillingham

Giddey’s nine assists were the most in a game for him since returning from the hamstring injury that sidelined him for eight games. Add in the efficient shooting and solid night on the glass, and fantasy managers had some things to work with on Thursday. Giddey played 28 minutes against the Trail Blazers, and it feels like he’s unlikely to get back into the 30s again this season. Rob Dillingham (5/2/5/3 with one three-pointer) played 23 minutes off the bench, and his opportunities may increase as the Bulls play out the string.

Simons missed Sunday’s loss to the Knicks after injuring his wrist on Saturday against the Pistons. The Bulls are now calling the 26-year-old shooting guard’s injury a left wrist contusion, rather than a sprain. Rob Dillingham saw some more minutes with Simons out Sunday and should continue to have a role for the rest of the season.

After playing 22 minutes or more in his first three appearances as a Bull, Dillingham totaled 18 minutes in the two games played before Sunday. Anfernee Simons (wrist) being out freed up minutes, and Dillingham benefited. The final stat line wasn’t great, but the ability to put up numbers in multiple categories was a step in the right direction. Given where the Bulls are, Dillingham should play plenty for the rest of the season. He isn’t a must-add yet, but he is worth watching during Chicago’s three-game Week 18.

Simons exited early from Saturday’s game and will remain sidelined for the second leg of the back-to-back. Collin Sexton and Rob Dillingham should take on extra minutes in his absence, though only Sexton will have a chance to play enough to be considered as a streamer.

Simons injured his left wrist during the first half of Saturday’s game and was ruled out early in the third quarter. He played 13 minutes, finishing with four points (2-of-6 FGs) and two rebounds. If Simons has to miss time, that should free up minutes for Rob Dillingham, but the former lottery pick is not worth the risk in redraft leagues.

After playing 22 minutes in his first two games as a Bull, Dillingham logged 30 on Wednesday. And he took advantage of the increased opportunity, providing solid value in points, assists and steals. The issue for Dillingham moving forward is that the Bulls have a crowded perimeter rotation. That could make it difficult for him to carve out a significant role for himself. That said, it would probably be in the Bulls’ best interest to ensure Dillingham logs heavy minutes, given his limited playing time in Minnesota before being traded.

Minnesota gave up an unprotected first-round pick in 2031 and a pick swap in 2030 to acquire Dillingham on draft night, but they’ll cut their losses early. Dillingham was able to show some flashes as a rookie, but he hasn’t been able to do much in year two. He joins a crowded guard room in Chicago, so there isn’t a clear path to minutes, but he still holds plenty of upside.

Dosunmu spent the first 4.5 seasons of his career in his hometown of Chicago after playing three seasons at Illinois, so this will be quite the fresh start for him. Minnesota has lacked a reliable point guard this season, and they just traded Mike Conley this week. Dosunmu may not start, but he should be one of the primary options off the bench and spend a ton of time on the floor as a lead ball handler. With Dillingham included in the deal, Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark will be the other point guards in Minnesota.

Conley will get Saturday night off, as it is the first game of a back-to-back for the Timberwolves. Bones Hyland will figure more prominently in the rotation, and Rob Dillingham may pick up a few minutes after receiving a DNP-CD on Thursday.

Dillingham is good to go after initially being questionable. However, so are Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley, so the second-year guard is unlikely to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball.