Zach

Collins

Collins is good to go after the Bulls listed him as probable on the initial injury report. He’ll slot in as the backup center, with Nikola Vučević playing most of the available minutes as the starter.

Sunday’s game will be the fifth that Smith has missed with a strained left hamstring. Zach Collins will once again fill the backup center role, with Lachlan Olbrich being available in case of emergency.

Collins made his season debut on Friday, playing 21 minutes off the bench in a loss to the Pacers. He should take on the backup center responsibilities again on Sunday, but the playing time will likely decrease if the Bulls remain competitive. Starter Nikola Vučević played 26 minutes against Indiana.

This will be a fourth straight absence for Smith, which means the runway is clear for Zach Collins (wrist) to fill the backup center minutes in his season debut. Lachlan Olbrich will be the third option with Smith unavailable.

Collins is set to make his season debut after dealing with a wrist injury up to this point in the season. The 28-year-old could immediately step into the backup center job behind Nikola Vučević, but isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Smith is on track to miss a fourth consecutive game with a strained left hamstring. Who assumes the backup center minutes depends on the availability of Zach Collins (wrist), who is questionable. If he can’t make his season debut, Lachlan Olbrich will once again take on the responsibility of backing up Nikola Vučević.

Collins did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Nets despite participating in pregame shootaround. His return would impact the center rotation behind starter Nikola Vučević, with Lachlan Olbrich taking on that role recently. With Jalen Smith considered doubtful, Collins may be asked to take on the backup responsibilities immediately if he’s available.

Collins participated in shootaround on Wednesday, but was ultimately ruled out for the game against the Nets. The 28-year-old power forward will look to make his season debut against the Pacers on Friday. With Jalen Smith (hamstring) also out, Lachlan Olbrich should pick up more minutes off the bench.

Typically participating in shootaround is a sign that a player will suit up, but Collins will practice with the Windy City Bulls later on Wednesday, which may indicate that he won’t play against the Nets. He said if that goes well, he will play “very soon”, which indicates he could make his season debut on Friday against the Pacers. For now, Jalen Smith (hamstring) will occupy the reserve center minutes if he plays, with Lachlan Olbrich backing him up.

Collins could potentially make his first appearance of the season for the Bulls, and the timing would be great for a team with a loaded injury report. If available, the veteran center may be asked to take on some of the minutes that would typically go to Jalen Smith. Smith has missed the last two games with a strained hamstring but is considered questionable for Wednesday.