Tre

Jones

It’s challenging for a starter to have a productive outing in a game his team loses by 40, but Jones was solid on Friday. He led the Bulls in assists with eight and committed just one turnover. By comparison, fellow starter Josh Giddey (six points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks) shot 3-of-12 from the field and committed four turnovers. The Bulls aren’t shutting down their proven players, which bodes well for managers rostering Jones and Giddey ahead of Sunday’s game against the Suns. Hopefully, they’ll be more competitive than they were in New York.

Jones was upgraded from questionable to probable earlier Friday, and now he’s officially available. He’ll take on his usual role starting alongside Josh Giddey, with Collin Sexton coming off the bench.

Jones’ status has been upgraded from questionable, and he’s on track to take the court against New York. With Josh Giddey (hamstring) expected to play, Jones should occupy his usual role as the Bulls’ backup point guard.

Jones, who’s dealing with a sprained right ankle, joins Josh Giddey (hamstring) on the injury report for Friday’s game. With Mac McClung listed as probable, the high-flying guard could be pressed into duty. However, that isn’t a reason to justify adding the three-time dunk contest champion.

Giddey wasn’t on the initial injury report, but there is a chance this hamstring issue that has lingered throughout the season could result in him missing this game. Collin Sexton would likely replace him as a starter in that scenario, with Tre Jones taking on the playmaking duties.

Jones’ 23 points were the most he’s scored in a game in over two months. With the ball being in Josh Giddey’s (nine points, six rebounds, nine assists, one block and two three-pointers) more often than not, Jones’ assist potential is somewhat limited. However, his improved scoring ability has compensated for that. As a result, Jones is worth rostering in some 12-team leagues going into the Bulls’ final three games of Week 23.

Jones nearly helped the Bulls snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, leading a breakaway in the final seconds while the team trailed by a point. Unfortunately, his pass to Collin Sexton and subsequent basket came after time expired, so the Bulls lost. That may not have been the best result for the players, but Bulls fans eager to strengthen the team’s lottery odds won’t feel the same. As for Jones, he’ll remain an incredibly valuable option for fantasy managers in Week 23.

On a night when backcourt partner Josh Giddey (5/7/11) had a rough night shooting the basketball, going 1-of-11 from the field, Jones did his best to pick up the slack. He finished one assist shy of a double-double, and the 21 points were the most in a game for Jones since March 13, when he hit that number in a loss to the Clippers. Given his status as a starter, Jones is worth rostering for the remainder of the fantasy season, even if Giddey will remain the chief playmaker.

Dillingham is dealing with patellar tendinitis in both of his knees. With the Bulls headed for the draft lottery, rolling the dice on anyone health-wise feels unlikely. If Dillingham can’t play, Tre Jones and Collin Sexton can absorb those minutes.

Simons will miss his 15th consecutive game when the Bulls take on the Sixers. The scoring guard has only played in six games with the Bulls since being acquired before February’s trade deadline, averaging 15.1 points per game in that stretch. Tre Jones and Collin Sexton should continue to log heavy minutes in the backcourt.