Zach

Collins

Smith is dealing with a left finger sprain that could keep him sidelined against Boston. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) still out and Tobe Awaka (ankle) questionable, the Bulls could turn to Zach Collins to handle substantial minutes at center.

Awaka’s absence won’t affect fantasy basketball, but it may give Zach Collins a few more minutes off the bench. There’s nothing to gain from rostering Collins in fantasy leagues.

Awaka, who played 12 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Celtics, is dealing with a sprained left ankle. The rookie’s potential absence wouldn’t affect fantasy basketball, but it could give Zach Collins a few more minutes.

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.

Collins is available to play after being listed as probable on the initial injury report. Because of the time he missed during the preseason with the quad injury, he’ll likely be limited to 12-16 minutes. Collins played nine minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Raptors.

Expected to be limited to 12-16 minutes in his first game back from a strained right quad, Collins played just nine minutes in Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Raptors. The probable tag suggests he’ll be available Friday to back up Jalen Smith. Until he can play without restrictions, Collins is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

With Nic Claxton (hamstring) sidelined, Smith will serve as the Bulls’ starting center until he returns. “Stix” had a productive first half, scoring 11 points and grabbing seven rebounds, but his production tailed off after halftime. Zach Collins (five rebounds), who played nine minutes, was reportedly limited to 12-16 minutes in his first game back from a quad injury. Smith played 19 minutes, partly because of the nature of the 135-92 defeat. He’s worth rostering in fantasy leagues while the Bulls await Claxton’s return.

Collins, who underwent toe surgery in February, is back after missing the preseason with a quad injury. He’ll add frontcourt depth as the Bulls continue without Nic Claxton (hamstring), but Jalen Smith should start at center. Collins will be limited to 12-16 minutes.