Description: Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said that point guard Derrick Rose (ACL) will be "ready to go" next season, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Rose has been cleared to play for the past few weeks after tearing his ACL and MCL in April 2012, but he wasn't mentally ready. It will be 18 months from his injury by the time the regular season kicks off in October.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is out for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Miami with his continuing calf problem, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Nate Robinson will have to play heavy minutes, but he's not at 100 percent either, hurting his shoulder in Game 4.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng will not play in Game 5 of the playoff series with Miami. He did not travel with the team, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich are also out. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler will be playing big minutes again.
Description: Chicago guard Nate Robinson was useless Monday in Game 4.
Insight: He went 0-of-12 from the field and didn't record a single point. Since going off for 27 in Game 1, Robinson has gone ice cold (9.3 ppg on 22.9 percent shooting). The Bulls trail Miami three games to one heading into Wednesday's Game 5.
Description: Although Bulls forward Luol Deng was a limited participant in Sunday's practice he is not expected to play in Monday's Game 4.
Insight: It's a huge improvement over the past couple of days just getting to practice. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler should still be ready for big minutes, but there could be some reinforcements soon.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Friday against Miami with his continuing calf problem.
Insight: Tom Thibodeau called him "most likely out." No progress means a seat on the bench while Nate Robinson plays heavy minutes.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng was a limited participant in Sunday's practice and will be a game-time decision on Monday for Game 4, according to coacj Tom Thibodeau.
Insight: That's a huge improvement over the past couple of days. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler should still be ready for big minutes, but there could be some reinforcements soon.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Friday against Miami with his continuing calf problem.
Insight: The latest MRI showed "similar damage to muscle fibers" that the first MRI showed, according to the Chicago Tribune report. No progress means a seat on the bench while Nate Robinson plays heavy minutes.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng wants to get back on the court, but apparently is still physically unable due to headaches and weakness when he tries to exert himself.
Insight: At this point, it's probable that Deng will miss the entire second round. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler should get their rest - they are in for a long night of work.
Description: Sources say that Bulls forward Taj Gibson won't be suspended for Game 3 for failing to leave the court in a timely manner in Game 2, according to Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida.
Insight: Gibson was ejected from Game 2 after picking up two technicals. He might still be fined, but he'll be on the court Friday in all likelihood when the series shifts back to Chicago.
Description: It's possible that Bulls forward Taj Gibson could be suspended for Friday night's Game 3 against Miami. SOURCE: Chicago Tribune
Insight: The general consensus is that the refs overreacted to some of the physical play on Wednesday night. Even so, Gibson may have crossed the line during a heated confrontation with referee Scott Foster in the fourth quarter. A decision on any discipline for Gibson will probably be decided later today.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah got tossed Wednesday in Game 2 against Miami.
Insight: Noah (12 points, six rebounds) was livid with a foul called on Marquis Teague early in the fourth quarter and the refs were pretty quick to give him the boot. It was the second questionable call in a row after Teague had his jump shot swatted away by Chris Andersen on a play that looked like goaltending. Backup center Nazr Mohammed has come on to take Noah's place.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng won't be with the team Wednesday for Game 2 versus the Heat.
Insight: K.C. Johnson from the Chicago Tribune said that Deng took some shots and did some "walking around" on Tuesday. His status for Friday night's Game 3 is still up in the air.
Description: LeBron James might cover Nate Robinson Wednesday night in Game 2. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPN Chicago
Insight: Robinson burned Ray Allen in the series opener on Monday and James is Miami's best defender. Having James out on the perimeter will limit Robinson but it might also open things up in the paint for Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Wednesday against Miami while continuing to deal with a slow-healing bruised left calf.
Insight: Nate Robinson has averaged 18.3 ppg in eight playoff games this season and is the Bulls' best shot creator. He's shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Description: Chicago small forward Luol Deng is expected to miss Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Wednesday against Miami due to illness.
Insight: Deng is out of the hospital, but still not in Miami. He'll be hard shoes to fill as he does many things for the team, including playing almost 39 minutes per game and averaging 16.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 30 apg, 1.1 spg. Jimmy Butler, who has played 48 minutes in each of the last three games, figures to play as many minutes as he can without collapsing.
Description: Chicago small forward Jimmy Butler played all 48 minutes Monday in a win over the Heat.
Insight: Butler (21 points, 14 rebounds) did the same thing Saturday night in Brooklyn. He must be running on fumes right now. There's a good chance Butler plays all 48 again Wednesday in Game 2.
Description: Chicago point guard Nate Robinson was the game's high scorer Monday in an upset win over Miami.
Insight: Robinson netted 27 points in 40 minutes of action. He also led the team with nine assists. The pint-sized point guard is averaging 18.3 ppg on 50.4 percent shooting in the postseason.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (calf) is doubtful for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Monday against Miami.
Insight: Nate Robinson would start at point guard again if Hinrich doesn't dress. With Luol Deng (illness) also out, look for Robinson, Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler to play 40-plus minutes each.
Description: Bulls SG/SF Jimmy Butler will play heavy minutes with Luol Deng sidelined for Game 1 against Miami.
Insight: Butler played 48 minutes in both Game 6 and Game 7 of the series with Brooklyn. It won't be a lot of fun for the 23-year-old, though, if he plays at guard he likely draws Dwyane Wade as the defensive assignment, at SF it league MVP LeBron James.
Description: Chicago small forward Luol Deng will miss Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Monday against Miami due to illness.
Insight: Deng is out of the hospital, but not in Miami. He'll be hard shoes to fill as he does many things for the team, including playing almost 39 minutes per game and averaging 16.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 30 apg, 1.1 spg. Jimmy Butler will start in his place.
Description: Chicago forward Luol Deng hasn't arrived in Miami yet. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, Comcast Sports Chicago
Insight: Deng was in the hospital this weekend because of an illness. If he misses Monday's Game 1 against the Heat, Jimmy Butler will start in his place.
Description: Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski says that Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has decided to sit out the rest of the season. Rose has missed 94 straight games while recovering from a torn ACL.
Insight: What a bizarre situation. Rose has seemingly been healthy since mid-March, yet he's never come close to playing in a game. The best fantasy owners can hope for is a return sometime during the 2013-14 campaign.
Description: With Kirki Hinrich (calf) and Luol Deng (illness) out, Marco Belinelli stepped in as the Bulls starting shooting guard over the last two games and averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.0 threes and 43.5 minutes per game.
Insight: The Bulls are extremely thin in the backcourt and had to use Nate Robinson as the starting point guard and Jimmy Butler at small forward over the last two games, but that pushed Belinelli into a larger role.
Description: Playing without Luol Deng, Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich, the Bulls still won Game 7 at Brooklyn due in large part to the gritty play of center Joakim Noah.
Insight: Noah was supposed to be on a minutes limit in the first round, but he has thrown caution to the wind and played through the pain to get the Bulls a series victory. Noah averaged 11.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 31 minutes in the seven-game struggle, including 24 points, 14 boards and six blocks in 41 minutes in the clincher.
Description: According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (calf) will miss Game 7 against the Nets.
Insight: Hinrich also missed the last two games with a calf injury, leaving Nate Robinson to start at point guard. With Luol Deng (illness) also out, look for Robinson, Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler to play nearly a full game.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (illness) is still in a Chicago hospital and will not be available for Game 7 with Brooklyn.
Insight: Deng is dealing with an unknown illness and underwent a spinal tap test for viral meningitis Thursday, according to USA Today. While the test came back negative, he was still too ill to play Game 6 and apparently Game 7 as well. He averaged 13.8 ppg and 7.6 rpg in the first five games of the series.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (illness) tweeted that he is back in the emergency room and "may have to spend the night."
Insight: Deng is dealing with an unknown illness and underwent a spinal tap test for viral meningitis Thursday, according to USA Today. While the test came back negative, he was still too ill to play Game 6. Deng also tweeted that if he is medically cleared, he will travel to Brooklyn to play Game 7 Saturday, but that is looking unlikely at this point.
Description: With Luol Deng out for Game 6 with a serious illness, Bulls guard Marco Belinelli started and scored 22 points with seven assists, five rebounds and three triples in 46 minutes against the Nets.
Insight: Deng might not even travel with the team to Brooklyn for Game 7, in which case Belinelli would get another start.
Description: According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich will travel to Brooklyn with the team for Game 7 against the Nets, but his status for the game is still in doubt.
Insight: Hinrich missed the last two games with a calf injury, leaving Nate Robinson to start at point guard.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (illness) is questionable to even travel with the team to Brooklyn for Game 7, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Deng underwent a spinal tap test for viral meningitis, according to USA Today, and while the test came back negative, he was still too ill to play Game 6. Nate Robinson and Taj Gibson also are dealing with illnesses but played in Game 6.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (illness) has been scratched from Thursday's starting lineup against the Nets. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPNChicago.com
Insight: Deng is one of three Bulls players dealing with an illness, but all three were initially active. With Deng out, Jimmy Butler and Marco Belinelli will play all the minutes they can handle.
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson is active and starting Game 6 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Nets despite an illness. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Robinson, Luol Deng and Taj Gibson were all game-time calls due to an illness but all three are active.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (illness) is starting Thursday's playoff game against the Nets. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Deng is one of three Bulls players dealing with an illness, but all three are active. He is averaging 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 45 minutes through five games in the team's first-round series.
Description: Add Nate Robinson to the list of Chicago's game-time decisions Thursday against the Nets, according to Tim Bontemps of the NY Post.
Insight: Robinson, Luol Deng and Taj Gibson all are game-time calls due to an illness and Kirk Hinrich already has been ruled out due to his calf injury. Marquis Teague would start at point guard if Robinson cannot play.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng will be a game-time decision Thursday after missing shootaround due to an illness. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Taj Gibson is also sick and missed shootaround. Deng is averaging 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 45 minutes through five games in the team's first-round series against the Nets.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (calf) was seen wearing a walking boot and will not play in Monday's Game 5 versus the Brooklyn Nets.
Insight: Hinrich contributed 18 points, 14 dimes and three steals in the overtime victory in which he played almost 60 minutes. Nate Robinson will be in charge of the Bulls offense.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich logged an exhausting 60 minutes of playing time Saturday against Brooklyn.
Insight: Hinrich contributed 18 points, 14 dimes and three steals in the overtime victory. The Bulls have a chance to close out the series Monday night at the Barclays Center.
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson provided 34 points off the bench Saturday in a thrilling triple-overtime win over Brooklyn.
Insight: Super Nate rescued the Bulls by delivering 23 points in the fourth quarter. He also hit a crucial bucket at the end of the first overtime. Chicago now holds a 3-1 series lead heading into Monday's Game 5.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) is "doing all right," according to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago.
Insight: Noah is expected to continue to log between 20 and 25 minutes or as much as he can stand. He had 11 points and 10 rebounds in 25:29 in Game 2.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah came out of Game 2 with Brooklyn no worse than he entered. The hobbled center will have to deal with his plantar fasciitis problem until the offseason.
Insight: Noah is expected to continue to log between 20 and 25 minutes or as much as he can stand. After an ugly first game, he posted 11 points and 10 rebounds in the second. That's probably about as much as you can expect from him.
Description: Joakim Noah will draw the start in Game 2 of Chicago's first round series with Brooklyn. The hobbled center saw limited action Saturday in Game 1.
Insight: Noah, who is still recovering from a nagging foot injury, is expected to log between 20 and 25 minutes on Monday. He scored four points in 13 minutes Saturday in the opener.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is questionable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Monday against Brooklyn with a bruised left thigh.
Insight: He posted just two points, two rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes of the opener. Nate Robinson had 17 points in 20 minutes and might be the better option anyway.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (foot) plans to play in Monday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Monday against Brooklyn, but at what capacity?
Insight: Noah has been dealing with plantar fasciitis for the past couple of months and managed just 13 minutes in the opener. His four-point, five-rebound effort isn't enough for fantasy owners or Bulls' fans.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (foot) plans to warm up and try to play Saturday in Game 1 of the playoffs, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Noah has been dealing with plantar fasciitis for the past couple of months and barely played down the stretch. If he does play Saturday against the Nets, expect limited minutes.
Description: Chicago point guard Derrick Rose hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing in the playoffs, but it would be a bold gamble after not playing during the entire regular season.
Insight: He's still working his way back from a torn ACL. If the Bulls are desparate enough they might try it, but it's more likely we won't see him and his 21.8 ppg average (2011) until next season.
Description: It doesn't look like Bulls center Joakim Noah will be ready for Saturday's game against Brooklyn. Noah recently encountered a setback in his recovery from plantar fasciitis. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPN Chicago
Insight: Game 2 on Monday seems like a long shot also. That will mean more minutes for veteran Nazr Mohammed (2.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg).
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng led the NBA in minutes per game this season (38.7 mpg).
Insight: Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard led the league in total minutes played with 3,167 (38.6 mpg). Deng also led the league in this category last season (39.4 mpg) and was fourth in mpg in 2010-11 (39.1 mpg). The Bulls are hoping the heavily-used Deng still has enough left in the tank for the playoffs, which begin Saturday against Brooklyn.
Description: Chicago power forward Carlos Boozer finished the regular season in style Wednesday night against Washington (19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists).
Insight: The Bulls were able to clinch the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with the victory. Boozer (18.0 ppg, 13.2 rpg in his last six appearances) is peaking at the right time for Chicago and he should play a pivotal role in the team's upcoming playoff series against Brooklyn.
Description: Chicago centers Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson will play Wednesday but will have their minutes limited again, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said his goal is "trying to strike that balance of getting them work without risk of injury."
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah will participate in Monday's game against the Magic, though he probably won't see as many minutes as usual. SOURCE: ESPN Chicago
Insight: The purpose here is to give Noah some reps before the playoffs open later this week. He's been in and out of the lineup for the last month and a half because of foot injuries.
Description: Bulls power forward Taj Gibson will be in action Monday versus Orlando, though ESPN Chicago suspects that he'll be on a minutes limit. He's been out with a knee injury since April 2nd.
Insight: Gibson only averages 22 mpg so his ceiling isn't all that high to begin with. With so much of the league on hiatus right now, he could be worth a look in deeper formats.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) has missed the past four games and at this point will probably sit out the rest of the regular season.
Insight: Noah will have to deal with his injury thoughout the playoffs. He's played just one of the Bulls last 13 games. Fantasy owners should be used to having him watch from the sidelines. Nazr Mohammed will start if he doesn't play, but Mohammed has very luttle fantasy value beyond rebounding.
Description: Chicago shooting guard Richard Hamilton won't be in the lineup Sunday against the Heat. He's serving a one-game suspension for elbowing Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan on Friday night.
Insight: Hamilton (10.1 ppg) hasn't produced a 20-point game since November and has had trouble staying healthy in 2012-13. Fantasy owners can probably forget about him at this point.
Description: Bulls center Nazr Mohammed had 16 points, 13 rebounds, one steal and one block in 43 minutes Friday at Toronto.
Insight: With Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson both out of the lineup, Mohammed has been playing big minutes at center since late March, but this is just his second double-double of the season.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) has missed the past two games and is doubtful for Friday's game with Toronto.
Insight: Noah will have to deal with his plantar fasciitis for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. He played Sunday for the first time since March 21, but suffered a setback and is iffy to return before the "second season."
Description: The Chicago Bulls are reporting via Twitter that forward Luol Deng (hip) will warm up with the intent to play Thursday against the Knicks.
Insight: Deng participated in shootaround, so he's a good bet to play after missing two straight games. Jimmy Butler has been playing huge minutes, but he could see them scaled back if Deng returns, since shooting guards Marco Belinelli and Richard Hamilton both returned to action this week.
Description: According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Bulls forward Luol Deng (hip) is a game-time decision Thursday against the Knicks.
Insight: Deng participated in shootaround, so he's a good bet to play after missing two straight games. Jimmy Butler has been playing huge minutes, but he could see them scaled back if Deng returns, since shooting guards Marco Belinelli and Richard Hamilton both returned to action this week.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) already has been ruled out for Thursday's game, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Noah had a cortisone shot in his right foot this week to try to improve his plantar fasciitis. He played Sunday for the first time since March 21, but suffered a setback and is iffy to return before the playoffs.
Description: Bulls guard Jimmy Butler played all 48 minutes Tuesday and had 28 points on 10-of-12 shooting, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and three treys.
Insight: Luol Deng was absent from the lineup, so having both Marco Belinelli and Rip Hamilton active didn't affect Butler's minutes. It's unclear how many minutes Butler will play when Deng returns and bumps Butler back to two-guard, but Butler should be owned in all leagues anyway.
Description: The Chicago Tribune is expecting Bulls small forward Luol Deng to miss at least one more game (Tuesday versus Toronto) while dealing with a hip injury.
Insight: Deng leads the NBA in minutes played and with a playoff spot locked up they will likely error on the side of caution. He's been a solid fantasy option all season averaging 16.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.1 spg and 1.0 threes per contest.
Description: Even though Marco Belinelli (abdomen) returned to action Sunday, Jimmy Butler still played 45 minutes and scored 14 points.
Insight: Butler has started the last eight games and averaged 43 mpg in that span. With Luol Deng out Tuesday, Butler should start and play 40-plus minutes again.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) will miss Tuesday's game against the Raptors.
Insight: According to the Chicago Tribune, Noah said he had a cortisone shot in his right foot to try to improve his plantar fasciitis. He played Sunday for the first time since March 21, but suffered a setback.
Description: The Chicago Tribune acknowledged that Bulls small forward Luol Deng will probably miss Tuesday's game against the Raptors. Deng has been dealing with a hip injury.
Insight: The Bulls still have an outside chance to grab home court advantage in the first round, though they'd have to win almost all of their remaining games to pass Brooklyn in the standings. Deng, who also missed Sunday's game against Detroit, has been arguably the team's most consistent player this season, leading the team in points (16.7 ppg) and minutes per game (39.2 mpg).
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah has apparently suffered a setback and isn't likely to play Tuesday, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: He's been battling plantar fasciitis for most of the second half. Noah had missed eight consecutive games before playing 21 minutes against the Pistons on Sunday.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah is set to return from an eight-game absence Sunday against the Pistons.
Insight: He's been battling plantar fasciitis for most of the second half. Noah is averaging 20 ppg versus Detroit this season. That's his highest average against any opponent in 2012-13.
Description: Chicago point guard Derrick Rose said he hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing this season. He's still working his way back from a torn ACL. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPN Chicago
Insight: Rose has said this on plenty of other occasions and he still hasn't come back yet. The Bulls only have seven games remaining in the regular season and they'll likely face either the Pacers or the Nets in the first round of the playoffs.
Description: Bulls guard Rip Hamilton is still out with a back injury and it's unknown if he'll return before the end of the season. SOURCE: Chicago Tribune
Insight: Injuries are really beginning to pile up for the Bulls. Chicago featured just seven players in Friday's win against the Magic. Hamilton hasn't played since late February and we're not expecting him to come back any time soon.
Description: Chicago forward Taj Gibson won't be on the floor Sunday against the Pistons. He's still dealing with a knee injury.
Insight: Gibson (7.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg) aggravated a previous knee injury Tuesday against Washington. The hope is that he'll be back before the playoffs begin in two weeks.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah won't be in uniform Friday against the Magic.
Insight: Plantar fasciitis has kept Noah sidelined for eight consecutive games. The Bulls have already clinched a playoff berth and at this point they might be better off resting Noah until the postseason.
Description: Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (foot) is doubtful for Friday's game against Orlando while continuing to deal with plantar fasciitis in right foot.
Insight: Noah (12.1 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 2.2 bpg) is a true day-to-day with the injury but has missed seven straight games.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli (abdomen) is doubtful for Friday's game against Orlando. He's missed the last six games.
Insight: The Bulls are using a backcourt of Kirk Hinrich and Jimmy Butler with Nate Robinson off the bench. Butler has been a solid fantasy option as a starter averaging 14.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.9 apg in 12 starts.
Description: The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Bulls guard Derrick Rose is still out indefinitely. He's missed the whole season while recovering from a torn ACL.
Insight: Rose gained medical clearance almost a month ago but for some reason, he doesn't appear any closer to playing in a game. It's safe to assume that he won't play this season.
Description: Bulls big man Taj Gibson aggravated a previous left knee sprain Tuesday night, but K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune says it doesn't sound as serious as the first injury that knocked him out for 10 games.
Insight: The Bulls can ill afford to lose Gibson with Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) on the sidelines. Gibson hasn't produced big-time fantasy numbers with Noah out but he is important to Chicago's defensive consistency.
Description: Bulls big man Taj Gibson left Tuesday's game with a left knee sprain and will have an MRI Wednesday to determine the extent of the damage.
Insight: The Bulls can ill afford to lose Gibson with Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) on the sidelines. Gibson hasn't produced big-time fantasy numbers with Noah out but he is important to Chicago's defensive consistency.
Description: Bulls big man Taj Gibson left Tuesday's game with a left knee injury and is questionable to return.
Insight: The Bulls can ill afford to lose Gibson with Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) on the sidelines. Gibson hasn't produced big-time fantasy numbers with Noah out but he is important to Chicago's defensive consistency.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli (abdomen) tried to do some running Monday and still felt discomfort, according to ESPNChicago.com. When asked if he would play Tuesday, he said, "I don't think so because I still have a little bit of pain."
Insight: Belinelli has missed the last four games, giving Jimmy Butler the chance to play 44 mpg in that span. The Bulls thin backcourt will consist primarily of Kirk Hinrich, Nate Robinson and Butler.
Description: According to Chicago Bulls beat reporter Nick Friedell, center Joakim Noah (foot) said he is not playing in Tuesday's game against Washington.
Insight: Noah (12.1 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.2 spg, 2.2 bpg) is a true day-to-day with plantar fasciitis and his status can change after the shootaround, but it appears that Noah will miss a sixth consecutive game.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli (abdomen) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Washington and being called a game-time decision by some, but we are not expecting him to play.
Insight: Belinelli has missed the last four games, giving Jimmy Butler the chance to play 44 mpg in that span. The Bulls thin backcourt will consist primarily of Kirk Hinrich, Nate Robinson and Butler.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli (abdomen) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Washington.
Insight: Belinelli has missed the last four games, giving Jimmy Butler the chance to play 44 mpg in that span. The Bulls thin backcourt will consist primarily of Kirk Hinrich, Nate Robinson and Butler.
Description: One day after scoring four points on 1-of-8 shooting, Jimmy Butler came back with 16 points, four rebounds, five steals and one three in 39 minutes Sunday against Detroit.
Insight: Butler has played 43 mpg over the last four games with Marco Belinelli out with an abdominal strain. Belinelli averages 26 mpg and 9.9 ppg.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli (abdomen) will miss another game Sunday against the Pistons.
Insight: Belinelli has missed the last three games, giving Jimmy Butler the chance to play 44 mpg in that span. However, after scoring 18.5 ppg in the first two, Butler had four points on 1-of-8 shooting Saturday.
Description: Chicago point guard Nate Robinson went 7-of-7 from three-point distance in Saturday's loss to Dallas.
Insight: Robinson (25 points) finished 9-of-16 from the field overall. Kirk Hinrich is the starter but Robinson is the player to own in fantasy leagues. It doesn't look like Derrick Rose will be back before the end of the regular season, which means that Robinson should be owned in all formats.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (foot) will be a game-time decision Saturday against the Mavericks.
Insight: Noah is a true day-to-day with plantar fasciitis and will have to test his foot before Saturday's game. Taj Gibson is averaging 28.5 mpg, 10.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 1.3 bpg over his last four games and would make for a decent fantasy play if Noah has to sit again.
Description: Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer has pulled down 12.5 rebounds per game over the last four games. He's averaging 18.2 ppg over his last nine.
Insight: Boozer is playing extremely well for his fantasy owners right now. There's obviously more rebounds to be had when Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis) doesn't play, and Boozer is making the most of Noah's absence.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler drew another start with Marco Belinelli out of the lineup and had 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, two threes and two steals in 43 minutes Wednesday against the Heat.
Insight: Butler has played a total of 87 minutes over the last two games with Belinelli sidelined by an abdominal strain and scored 18.5 ppg.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and four threes in 44 minutes to help Chicago end Miami's winning streak at 27 games.
Insight: Deng has scored at least 20 points in four of the last six games. He has averaged 39 mpg in each of the last two seasons and he is at that number again this season.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli will miss Wednesday's game due to an abdominal strain.
Insight: SG/SF Jimmy Butler is a viable option when Belinelli is out of the lineup. Butler put up 20 points and nine rebounds on Sunday in 44 minutes of action.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah won't be on the floor Wednesday against Miami.
Insight: He's still battling plantar fasciitis. Chris Bosh should have a much easier time in the low post without Noah hounding him on defense all night.
Description: Chicago Bulls backup power forward Taj Gibson is probable for Wednesday's game against Miami. He banged his knee on Sunday and was limping for a little bit.
Insight: Gibson's (7.9 ppg, 5.45rpg, 1.4 bpg) has played at least 25 minutes in each of the three games since he returned from a sprained MCL, but it hasn't seemed to hurt starter Carlos Boozer's fantasy production.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli is questionable for Wednesday's game against Miami with a strained abdominal muscle. He did participate in some of Tuesday's practice and will be a game-time decision.
Insight: If he doesn't play again then SG/SF Jimmy Butler will see a huge increase in minutes and is a viable option. Butler put up 20 points and nine rebounds on Sunday in 44 minutes of action.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (foot) will be a game-time decision Wednesday against the Heat.
Insight: Noah "did a little more" in practice Tuesday, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, so he has a chance of playing Wednesday. Nazr Mohammed is averaging 7.5 points and 8.5 rebounds the last two games as a fill-in starter.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli missed Sunday's game and is questionable for Wednesday's game against Miami with a strained abdominal muscle.
Insight: If he doesn't play then SG/SF Jimmy Butler will see a huge increase in minutes and is a viable option. Butler put up 20 points and nine rebounds on Sunday in 44 minutes of action.
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson collected 22 points and 10 assists in 34 minutes off the bench Sunday in Minnesota.
Insight: Robinson lost his starting job when Kirk Hinrich returned from injury last week but head coach Tom Thibodeau must still have a lot of confidence in him. Robinson played 10 minutes more than Hinrich on Sunday and since Hinrich's return, Robinson has averaged 28.3 mpg to Hinrich's 21.7.
Description: Chicago's Joakim Noah will sit out another game Sunday as he continues to deal with plantar fasciitis.
Insight: He didn't even make the trip to Minnesota. The Bulls would love to have Noah in the lineup but ultimately the goal is to have him healthy for the playoffs. Nazr Mohammed (11 points, seven boards Saturday versus Indiana) will continue to fill in as the starting center.
Description: Plantar fasciitis will keep Bulls center Joakim Noah out of Saturday's game. He's also doubtful for Sunday. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Noah dealt with plantar fasciitis back in February and had to miss three games, but he has played through it and averaged 12.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 36 minutes over his last 19 games.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (foot) is in the starting lineup Thursday against the Blazers. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune.
Insight: He hasn't seen the court since March 2nd against the Nets. Derrick Rose (knee) also appears to be nearing a return but still has no definitive timetable. Look for Chicago's point guard position to be a day-to-day situation.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (foot) went through shootaround Thursday and will be a game-time decision against the Blazers. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune.
Insight: He hasn't seen the court since March 2nd against the Nets. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose (knee) appears to be nearing a return but still has no definitive timetable. Chicago's point guard position will be a day-to-day situation.
Description: Chicago Bulls backup power forward Taj Gibson took part in Monday's shootaround and is aiming to return on Thursday.
Insight: Gibson's (7.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg) return will put a dent in Carlos Boozer's fantasy production. Boozer has been averaging around 33 minutes per game in Gibson's absence.
Description: The Bulls will be without power forward Taj Gibson Monday against Denver. He's still recovering from a sprained MCL.
Insight: Gibson (7.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg) didn't practice on Sunday so we figured he'd be a long shot to play tonight. Carlos Boozer is averaging 32.9 minutes per game in Gibson's absence.
Description: Bulls point guard Derrick Rose will not make his return Monday against Denver.
Insight: Rose's knee appears to be fully recovered. Now it's just a matter of getting back into game shape. Chicago is playing it ultra-safe with Rose right now and there's still no timetable for his return.
Description: Kirk Hinrich won't be on the floor Monday when the Bulls host the Nuggets. He's still battling a foot injury.
Insight: He hasn't seen the court since March 2nd against the Nets. Derrick Rose is close to returning so Hinrich's days as a fantasy-worthy player are numbered.
Description: Chicago point guard Nate Robinson should continue to start with Kirk Hinrich still bothered by a bad foot.
Insight: Robinson's fantasy value will stay high until Hinrich returns to the lineup. He has averaged 18 ppg and 6.2 apg over the last four-game stretch.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich did not practice on Sunday and is doubtful for Monday against Denver, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. He's missed five games with a foot injury.
Insight: Hinrich (7.4 ppg, 5.4 apg) hasn't played in almost two weeks. Nate Robinson's fantasy value will stay high until Hinrich returns to the lineup. Robinson has averaged 18 ppg and 6.2 apg over the last four-game stretch.
Description: Bulls' point guard Kirk Hinrich has been downgraded to out, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. He's missed five games with a foot injury and the injury didn't respond well overnight.
Insight: Hinrich (7.4 ppg, 5.4 apg) hasn't played in almost two weeks. Nate Robinson's fantasy value will stay high until Hinrich returns to the lineup.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is probable for Friday's game against Golden State after missing five games with a foot injury.
Insight: Hinrich (7.4 ppg, 5.4 apg) hasn't played in almost two weeks. Hinrich's return would obviously have a huge negative effect on Nate Robinson's fantasy value.
Description: According to ESPN Chicago's Nick Friedell, it's "unlikely" that Bulls guard Derrick Rose will make his season debut Friday against the Warriors. He's missed the whole season while recovering from ACL surgery.
Insight: There were rumblings a while back that Rose was targeting mid-March for his return date but apparently that time frame was a little too optimistic. We'll make sure you're the first to know when Rose finally does return to Chicago's lineup.
Description: Bulls forward Taj Gibson isn't expected to play Friday against the Warriors.
Insight: Gibson (7.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg) sprained his MCL February 24th against the Thunder and hasn't appeared in a game since. The Bulls have gone 3-5 in his absence.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich could return from his foot injury Friday against Golden State. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPN
Insight: Hinrich (7.4 ppg, 5.4 apg) hasn't played in almost two weeks. Hinrich's return would obviously have a negative effect on Nate Robinson's fantasy value.
Description: Chicago Bulls PF/C Taj Gibson (sprained left MCL) was targeting Wednesday for his return, but that has been pushed back until Friday at the earliest, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: When he returns fantasy owners should expect Carlos Boozer's numbers to return to season-long levels. Gibson in not a fantasy option while averaging 7.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (foot) will sit out Wednesday's game. He has missed 14 of the last 18 games, first with an elbow injury and now with a sore foot.
Insight: Nate Robinson will continue to get the starts. He had 19 points against the Lakers Sunday but is shooting just 30.8 percent over his last eight games.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (foot) missed Sunday's game against the Lakers and is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Sacramento.
Insight: Nate Robinson will continue to get the starts but isn't playing particularly well, although he was solid against the Lakers with 19 points, eight assists and just one turnover.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah posted another double-double Sunday in a loss to Los Angeles (18 points, 17 boards in 39 minutes).
Insight: Noah has been on a rebounding tear recently, delivering six straight games with at least 10 rebounds. He's averaged 15.5 ppg over that same span. That's well above his season average of 12.1 points per contest.
Description: Now Derrick Rose is dealing with two sore hamstrings. The Bulls point guard was recently cleared by doctors to resume playing after missing the first half of the season with a torn ACL. SOURCE: ESPN Chicago
Insight: Rose had been on target to return in mid-March but now it looks like that timetable will have to be pushed back. It's possible the Bulls could play it safe and shut down Rose for the rest of the season. The Bulls are currently in fifth in the Eastern Conference. If the season ended today, they'd play the Nets in the first round of the playoffs.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (foot) will miss Sunday's game against the Lakers.
Insight: Nate Robinson will get his fourth straight start but isn't playing well. He's not a great distributor, lowering the values of Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, and he's not hitting his own shots (20-of-72 over the last seven games).
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich missed Friday's game against Utah while still dealing with his swollen right foot and is questionable for Sunday's game against the LA Lakers.
Insight: Nate Robinson takes over as the starting point guard, but isn't playing well. He's not a great distributor, lowering the values of Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah and he's not hitting his own shots (9-of-32 over the past three games). A bad combination.
Description: Bulls shooting guard Richard Hamilton (back) has missed five straight games and is expected to miss Chicago's three-game road trip.
Insight: He only averaged 20 mpg in February anyway so fantasy owners can cut him loose. Marco Belinelli (63 points in his last three games) is a decent option while Hamilton is out.
Description: Team doctors have cleared Derrick Rose to play but he still isn't "mentally ready to return to competition" according to ESPN Chicago.
Insight: Rose, who has sat out the whole year because of a torn ACL, wants to be able to "confidently dunk off his left foot." It sounds like Rose could be back in the lineup sometime in mid-March.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich is expected to miss Friday's game against Utah while still dealing with his swollen right foot.
Insight: Nate Robinson takes over as the starting point guard, but isn't playing well. He's not a great distributor, lowering the values of Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah and he's not hitting his own shots (5-of-19 over the past two games). A bad combination.
Description: Bulls shooting guard Richard Hamilton (back) has missed four straight games and is expected to miss Friday's game against Utah as well, due to back spasms.
Insight: He only averaged 20 mpg in February anyway so fantasy owners can cut him loose. Marco Belinelli (41 points in his last two games) and Jimmy Butler are decent options while Hamilton is out.
Description: Chicago Bulls PF/C Taj Gibson is expected to miss about one more week (sprained left MCL).
Insight: When he returns fantasy owners should expect Carlos Boozer's numbers to return to season-long levels. Gibson in not a fantasy option while averaging 7.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game due to a foot injury, according to beat writer Nick Friedell.
Insight: He was still seen walking around in a boot. Nate Robinson started Sunday's game but only played 20 minutes while Marquis Teague played almost 28 minutes. We can't recommend Robinson for Wednesday's game.
Description: Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer missed the team plane to San Antonio to deal with a personal matter, but is expected to play on Wednesday, according to beat writer Nick Friedell.
Insight: Before stumbling at Indiana (six points), Boozer had posted three consecutive games of 20 points or more, taking advantage of additional time with backup PF Taj Gibson sidelined.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Wednesday's game due to a foot injury, according to Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com.
Insight: Nate Robinson started Sunday's game but only played 20 minutes while Marquis Teague received 27:31. We can't recommend Robinson for Wednesday's game.
Description: Bulls shooting guard Richard Hamilton (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game, according to Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com.
Insight: Hamilton has missed three straight games with lower back spasms. He only averaged 20 mpg in February anyway so fantasy owners can cut him loose. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler, who both scored 20 points on Sunday, are decent options while Hamilton is out.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich missed Sunday's game against the Pacers with a foot injury. He was spotted wearing a walking boot. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Nate Robinson will move into the starting lineup, but doesn't run the Bulls' offense nearly as well as Hinrich as he looks to score first and pass second. Lower expectations for the other Bulls fantasy options, until Hinrich returns.
Description: Chicago Bulls shooting guard Richard Hamilton missed Sunday's game with Indiana and could miss Wednesday's game against San Antonio as well.
Insight: He's missed three straight games because of back spasms and at 35-years-old doesn't rebound from injuries as quickley as 10 years ago. Marco Belinelli produced 20 points and five assists against the Pacers and is a viable short-term alternative.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich will miss Sunday's game against the Pacers with a foot injury. He was spotted wearing a walking boot. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Hinrich is coming off three straight double-digit scoring games since returning from an elbow injury that caused him to miss most of February. Nate Robinson will move back into the starting lineup.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng could need a root canal at some point after Spencer Hawes' elbow knocked some of his teeth loose Thursday against the Sixers. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Deng (16.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg) played through the injury Saturday and scored eight points in 44 minutes. Chicago plays Indiana on Sunday but after that they won't have another game until Wednesday at San Antonio. It's possible Deng could have the procedure on one of the Bulls' off-days.
Description: Joakim Noah filled up the stat sheet again Saturday in a win over Brooklyn. In 41 minutes, the Bulls center racked up 21 points, 10 boards, five assists and four blocked shots.
Insight: Somebody get out the fire extinguisher because Noah is on fire right now. Over his last two contests, he's averaged 22 ppg, 15.5 rpg and 7.5 bpg on 72 percent shooting. Noah is morphing into a superstar right before our eyes. You can count on him for another big performance Sunday at Indiana.
Description: Chicago forward Luol Deng is in the lineup Saturday against Brooklyn. His status had been in question after taking a hit to the jaw late in Thursday's win over Philadelphia.
Insight: Employ the minute-eating small forward as you normally would.
Description: Bulls shooting guard Richard Hamilton isn't expected to travel with the team for Sunday's game in Indiana.
Insight: He's missing his second straight game because of back spasms. Hamilton's durability has been a huge issue in recent years (he's missed a combined 114 games over the past four seasons) so fantasy owners have probably gotten used to this by now.
Description: Chicago's Richard Hamilton, who was a surprise scratch Thursday night against Philadelphia, is out for Saturday's game against Brooklyn as well, due to back spasms.
Insight: Hamilton's minutes went mostly to Marco Belinelli on Thursday, but the backup didn't do anything to warrant fantasy attention.
Description: Chicago's Richard Hamilton, who was a surprise scratch Thursday night against Philadelphia, is questionable for Saturday's game against Brooklyn with back spasms.
Insight: Hamilton's minutes went mostly to Marco Belinelli (9.4 ppg), but the backup didn't do anything to warrant fantasy attention.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng took a shot to the jaw at the end of Thursday's game and is questionable for Saturday's game against Brooklyn.
Insight: It doesn't appear that he suffered a concussion, though he did say he had a headache. Deng, the NBA's leader in minutes per game at 39 per game, is a solid fantasy contributor at 16.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.1 spg. Check back Saturday for the latest update.
Description: Chicago big man Joakim Noah was on fire Thursday against the Sixers. He finished with 23 points, 21 rebounds and 11 blocks.
Insight: The 11 rejections are a new career-high for Noah. Thursday was also Noah's third career triple-double and his second this season. He's firing on all cylinders right now. Fantasy owners should feel lucky to have him.
Description: Chicago's Richard Hamilton was a surprise scratch Thursday night against Philadelphia. The veteran shooting guard is out with back spasms.
Insight: Hamilton (10.2 ppg) has no history of back spasms so hopefully he'll only have to miss a game or two. Marco Belinelli (9.5 ppg) will grab the start in Rip's place.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng drained 9-of-16 from the field and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line for 26 points Tuesday against the Cavaliers.
Insight: Deng, the NBA's leader in minutes per game, played 40 on Tuesday after averaging just 31 in his first four games following the All-Star break.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow) is in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Cavaliers. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Hinrich has been dealing with a nagging elbow injury the entire month of February. His return will push Nate Robinson back to the bench, making him a marginal fantasy player.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow) will be a game-time decision Tuesday night. He participated in shootaround in the morning. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPNChicago.com
Insight: Nate Robinson has been a solid fantasy play with Hinrich out of the lineup though he doesn't run the offense nearly as well as the starter and the other Bulls' fantasy options sometimes suffer. We'll update the situation closer to game time.
Description: Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer could be in for an increase in playing time and production over the next few weeks due to the injury suffered to backup Taj Gibson (sprained MCL).
Insight: Expect most of Gibson's 22 minutes per game to go to Boozer who should post numbers above his current averages of 15.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg for the next couple of weeks.
Description: Chicago Bulls PF/C Taj Gibson is expected to miss two weeks after spraining his left MCL on Sunday against Oklahoma City.
Insight: This injury should be a bonus for Carlos Boozer who was sharing playing time at power forward. Expect most of Gibson's 22 minutes per game to go to Boozer who should post big numbers for the next couple of weeks.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow) missed Sunday's game and is doubtful for Tuesday's game against Cleveland.
Insight: Nate Robinson has been a solid fantasy play with Hinrich out of the lineup though he doesn't run the offense nearly as well as the starter and the other Bulls' fantasy options sometimes suffer.
Description: Chicago Bulls PF/C Taj Gibson is doubtful for Tuesday's game against Cleveland after spraining his left knee on Sunday against Oklahoma City.
Insight: Gibson was having an ugly shooting game (2-for-11) and didn't return, but the Bulls were 30 points behind so there would have been no need to push him back on the floor.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich won't be available for Friday night's game against Charlotte. He's sitting out with a bum elbow.
Insight: Nate Robinson (11.9 ppg, 4.1 apg) picked a good year to be the Bulls' third-string point guard. Friday will be Robinson's 14th start of the season.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow) missed Thursday's game, but is questionable for Friday's game against Charlotte.
Insight: Hinrich just returned to action Wednesday after a seven-game absence, played one game and then missed Thursday. His presence in the lineup kills Nate Robinson's fantasy value, so you will have to wait until game-time to know what to do.
Description: With Kirk Hinrich out with an elbow injury for the eighth time in nine games, Bulls guard Nate Robinson got a chance to start again and he produced 14 points with three assists, two steals and two threes in 28:33 Thursday against the Heat.
Insight: Hinrich returned from an extended absence Wednesday and Robinson played just 17 minutes but Hinrich wasn't able to play Thursday. Robinson's recent production warrants a start in most fantasy formats as long as Hinrich is out.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow) will miss Thursday's game. SOURCE: Palm Beach Post
Insight: Hinrich just returned to action Wednesday after a seven-game absence. Nate Robinson averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 2.2 threes in 33 minutes over his previous 11 games but played just 17 minutes Wednesday as Hinrich's backup. He should get the start Thursday against the Heat.
Description: Chicago Tribune columnist K.C. Johnson says Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich will be a game-time decision Thursday versus Miami.
Insight: Apparently Hinrich's elbow is still bothering him. Look for Nate Robinson (11.9 ppg, 4.1 apg) to get the start at point guard if Hinrich (7.0 ppg, 5.3 apg) is forced to sit out.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah pulled down 17 rebounds and added 15 points, five assists and three blocks in 38 minutes Tuesday against the Hornets.
Insight: Noah was playing through plantar fasciitis prior to the All-Star break but any pain he is still experiencing isn't holding him back.
Description: Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is probable for Tuesday's game against New Orleans. He's missed time due to an elbow infection.
Insight: His backup, Nate Robinson, has played well in Hinrich's absence and has earned additional time even when Hinrich (7.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5.2 apg) gets back into the starting lineup. The position will be further crowded when/if Derrick Rose is ready to play.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng led the league in minutes per game during the season's first half (39.6 mpg).
Insight: Okahoma City's Kevin Durant ranked second in the league with an average of 38.9 minutes per contest in the first half. Deng's scoring average has dipped this month in part because of a lingering wrist injury (11.6 ppg in his last five games compared to 16.7 ppg for the season). He's 0-for-11 from three-point range during that span.
Description: According to ESPN Chicago, Bulls center Joakim Noah is expected to play in Sunday night's NBA All-Star Game.
Insight: Noah (11.8 ppg, 11.4 rpg) has been playing through plantar fasciitis but was never in real jeopardy of missing this weekend's All-Star festivities. This will be Noah's first All-Star appearance in six NBA seasons.
Description: Doug Smith of the Toronto Sun reports that the Raptors are not interested in acquiring Bulls forward Carlos Boozer at this year's trade deadline.
Insight: Toronto is trying to get rid of Andrea Bargnani but Boozer's high salary (he'll earn $15 million this season) makes him an unrealistic trade target. Bargnani (14.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg) is probably the more likely of the two to get traded before Thursday's deadline.
Description: Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (knee) said Wednesday that his left knee still isn't feeling right and that he doesn't mind missing this season if it doesn't improve. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: "I would love to (return)," Rose said. "That's why I approach my rehab and workouts so hard. I'm trying to get back on the court as quickly as possible. But if I have anything lingering on, it's no point." Fantasy owners who have been patiently waiting for Rose's return shouldn't count on having the point guard back for anything more than 15-20 games, if that.
Description: While Bulls center Joakim Noah is still dealing with plantar fasciitis, he says he will play Wednesday against the Celtics. "I wouldn't miss this for anything," Noah said. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Noah played 38 minutes Monday against the Spurs so he will likely continue to tough it out. While his scoring production has slipped to 9.7 ppg over his last 21 games, he has pulled down 12 rebounds per game in that span.
Description: A source close to the situation said that Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (knee) isn't expected back before March 1, according to Yahoo! Sports. "No timetable is set," the source said.
Insight: Fantasy owners were hoping to have Rose back right after the Feb. 17 All-Star game, but it appears that wasn't realistic. Nate Robinson's fantasy usefulness will last as long as Rose is out of the lineup.
Description: Bulls big man Joakim Noah will start Monday's game against the Spurs.
Insight: He had been a game-time decision because of a lingering foot issue. Noah (11.9 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.0 bpg) is averaging just 5.9 ppg in eight career meetings with San Antonio. Memphis is the only team he's averaging fewer points against (5.3 ppg in nine games).
Description: Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah is questionable for Monday's game against San Antonio. Noah missed three games last week with plantar fasciitis.
Insight: Noah was at Sunday's practice, but didn't participate much as the foot is still giving him pain. His return will have a significant negative impact on Taj Gibson's overall fantasy value.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Marco Belinelli is questionable for Monday's game against San Antonio with a sprained right ankle.
Insight: He'll be a game-time decision. Belinelli played 29 minutes on Friday scoring nine points with six assists, but is still hobbling because of the ankle and could be in and out of the lineup.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson has extended his double-digit scoring streak to 12 in a row with a 14-point effort Thursday night versus Denver.
Insight: Robinson will continue to see big minutes with Kirk Hinrich sidelined. Over the past 12 games Robinson is averaging 15.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.4 spg which are certainly fantasy-worthy numbers.
Description: Bulls guard Marco Belinelli is questionable for Friday's game against Utah with a sprained right ankle.
Insight: Belinelli scored a season-high 24 points Monday, but missed Thursday's game due to the injury. Although Richard Hamilton starts, he did not see additional time with Belinelli out of the lineup. Instead the team used more of Jimmy Butler and Luol Deng.
Description: The Chicago Tribune reports that Bulls center Joakim Noah is confident he'll be able to play Thursday night against the Nuggets. Noah has missed Chicago's last three games with plantar fasciitis.
Insight: Even if he sits out again Thursday, it sounds like Noah is close to returning. His return will have a negative impact on Taj Gibson's overall fantasy value (15 ppg, 13 rpg in his last three games).
Description: Houston center Omer Asik pulled down 14 rebounds Wednesday in a 114-108 loss at Miami.
Insight: Asik is averaging a ridiculous 16.2 rpg in his last six games. The 15 points Asik scored on Wednesday represent his fourth game in a row with double-digit points. It's safe to say the Rockets big man is firing on all cylinders right now.
Description: Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (hamstring) is feeling OK after playing Monday. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said he expects Boozer to play Thursday.
Insight: Boozer missed three games with a hamstring injury but returned Monday to score 10 points with five boards in 23 minutes.
Description: Chicago Bulls PF/C Taj Gibson has been the beneficiary of injuries to Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer and has played an average of 43 mpg over the past four games.
Insight: The fourth-year player is averaging 14.8 ppg and 12.0 rpg over the last four games and is a viable fantasy starter as long as one of the Bulls two big men is sidelined.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (foot) has missed the past three games due to recurring problems with plantar fasciitis and is doubtful for Thursday versus Denver.
Insight: Taj Gibson has been the beneficiary of the injury to Noah and one to Carlos Boozer. The fourth-year player is averaging 14.8 ppg and 12.0 rpg over the past four games and is a viable fantasy starter.
Description: Bulls forward Carlos Boozer is back in the lineup for Monday's game against Indiana. Boozer had missed Chicago's last three games because of a hamstring problem.
Insight: Fantasy owners (7.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg) can knock Taj Gibson down a peg now that Boozer (15.8 ppg, 9.7 rpg) has returned to the starting five.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (foot) has missed the past two games due to recurring problems with plantar fasciitis and is doubtful for Monday versus Indiana.
Insight: With Carlos Boozer a game-time decision it sounds like Taj Gibson is the best bet to post big numbers on Monday.
Description: Chicago forward Carlos Boozer (right hamstring) has missed three consecutive games, but will be a game-time decision for Monday's contest with Indiana.
Insight: Boozer had a huge month of January, averaging 19.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg. Taj Gibson has played well as his replacement, averaging 16.3 ppg and 12.3 rpg over the past three contests and is a viable option if Boozer sits again.
Description: Rockets big man Omer Asik piled on 19 points and 15 boards Saturday in a win over Charlotte.
Insight: Asik is heating up. Over his last four games, he's averaging 13.3 ppg and 17 rpg. The bump in production has vaulted Asik into the NBA's top three in rebounds per game (11.4 per contest).
Description: Bulls power forward Taj Gibson grabbed a season-best 19 rebounds Saturday in a victory over the Hawks.
Insight: Gibson also netted 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. His ownership has soared to 6.4 percent in ESPN leagues after being owned in just 1.2 percent earlier in the week. That's a direct result of Joakim Noah's recent foot injury. Noah is still without a timetable for his return.
Description: Chicago forward Luol Deng knocked in 25 points while collecting 14 rebounds Saturday against the Hawks.
Insight: Deng, the NBA's leader in minutes per game, was on the court for 46 out of a possible 48 minutes on Saturday. He actually played all 48 minutes Friday night in Brooklyn. He'll have the day off Sunday before hitting the court again on Monday for a tilt against the Pacers.
Description: ESPN's Nick Friedell expects Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich to be out a week while he deals with an elbow infection.
Insight: Obviously, Hinrich won't be available for Saturday's matchup against the Hawks. His backup Nate Robinson should be a strong fantasy play while Hinrich is out. Surprisingly, Robinson is only owned in 28.3 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson has scored double-digit points in nine consecutive games.
Insight: Robinson will see more minutes on Saturday with Kirk Hinrich expected to be sidelined. Over the past nine games Robinson is averaging 15.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.2 spg which are certainly fantasy-worthy numbers.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow infection) missed Friday's game and is expected to miss Saturday's as well.
Insight: Hinrich is averaging more than 7.0 points and 5.2 assists over the past two months. Those numbers won't make him a fantasy option in most leagues. Nate Robinson should see an increase in minutes and has scored double-digits in nine consecutive games.
Description: Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson should be an excellent short-term replacement on Saturday against Atlanta with both Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah expected to miss the game.
Insight: Gibson is averaging 15.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg over the past two games and seeing 41 minutes. If you need a big man for Saturday, he's a nice option.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (foot) didn't play Friday due to recurring problems with plantar fasciitis and likely won't play Saturday as well.
Insight: Noah is averaging 41 minutes over his last nine games so he must have a high tolerance for pain. With Carlos Boozer also sidelined Taj Gibson is an excellent play on Saturday.
Description: Chicago forward Carlos Boozer (right hamstring) didn't play Friday against the Nets and is expected to miss Saturday's game with Atlanta.
Insight: Boozer had a huge month of January, averaging 19.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg. Taj Gibson played well as his replacement on Wednesday, with 14 points and nine rebounds and posted 16 and nine on Friday. Gibson is a viable option for Saturday.
Description: Bulls guard Marco Belinelli was happy to see January go. He failed to scored more than eight points in the final five games of the month but he put up 18 in 30 minutes Friday.
Insight: With Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer and Kirk Hinrich all out of the lineup Friday, the Bulls were in need of a little extra scoring and Belinelli provided it. That doesn't mean he'll be a fantasy option anytime soon.
Description: Chicago forward Carlos Boozer (right hamstring) won't play Friday against the Nets.
Insight: Boozer had a huge month of January, averaging 19.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg. Taj Gibson played well as his replacement on Wednesday, with 14 points and nine rebounds. With Joakim Noah also out, Gibson should get plenty of minutes Friday.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (foot) won't play Friday due to recurring problems with plantar fasciitis. SOURCE: ESPN Chicago
Insight: Noah is averaging 41 minutes over his last nine games so he must have a high tolerance for pain. Taj Gibson should see all the minutes he can handle Friday.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (foot) is questionable for Friday's game against the Nets. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, CSN Chicago
Insight: Noah is averaging 41 minutes over his last nine games but he's dealing with a foot injury. Nets center Brook Lopez could be in line for a big night.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich (elbow infection) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Brooklyn. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, CSN Chicago
Insight: Hinrich is averaging more than 7.0 points and 5.0 assists over the past two months. Those numbers won't make him a fantasy option in most leagues. Nate Robinson should see an increase in minutes.
Description: Chicago forward Carlos Boozer (right hamstring) is questionable for Friday's game against Brooklyn. He'll be a true game-time decision.
Insight: Boozer had a huge month of January, averaging 19.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg. Taj Gibson played well as his replacement on Wednesday, with 14 points and nine rebounds and would be a viable short-term option if Boozer can't run on Friday.
Description: Chicago forward Carlos Boozer (hamstring) won't play Wednesday. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Boozer is averaging a robust 19.5 points on 49.2 percent shooting with 10.1 rebounds this month so he'll be missed Wednesday. Boozer was a true game-time decision; the team waited until the last minute to make the announcement.
Description: Chicago guard Derrick Rose (knee) has advanced to "full contact" and the only thing left in his return from ACL surgery is getting in practice time and getting re-adjusted to game situations, coach Tom Thibodeau said. SOURCE: ESPN.com
Insight: Rose could return right after the Feb. 17 All-Star game, which would give him a chance to play 30 games.
Description: Chicago forward Carlos Boozer is questionable for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee due to a hamstring injury and will be a game-time decision.
Insight: Boozer has upped his game in January, averaging 19.5 ppg and 10.1 rpg in 15 games this month. Hopefully this injury won't slow him down.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng "feels fine," one day after making his return to the lineup from a hamstring injury. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Deng played 31 minutes after missing five straight games. The Bulls will likely ease Deng back into action, so don't expect him to assume his 39.6 mpg (tied with Kevin Durant for the NBA lead) right away.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah grabbed 18 rebounds Monday in a win against the Bobcats.
Insight: Noah, who was on the floor for 45 minutes on Monday, has now played 40 minutes or more in five out of his last eight games. The first-time All Star is averaging a career-high 11.3 rpg this season. That ties him with Orlando's Nikola Vucevic for third in the NBA.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng will start Monday's game against Charlotte. He's missed Chicago's last five games because of a hamstring injury.
Insight: Deng collected 20 points and 12 rebounds when he faced the Bobcats on New Year's Eve. Jimmy Butler's brief period of fantasy relevance (14.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg in Deng's absence) is now over.
Description: Chicago guard Derrick Rose is playing two-on-two games, however there is still no timetable for his return. He's already missed the first 43 games of the season recovering from a torn ACL.
Insight: Most think he'll return just after the All-Star break. Nate Robinson (11.1 ppg, 3.6 apg) and Kirk Hinrich (7.0 ppg, 5.1 apg) will become fantasy non-factors when Rose finally starts playing again.
Description: Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (hamstring) is probable for Monday's game against Charlotte or at the worst should return on Wednesday.
Insight: Deng has missed five consecutive games, but the Bulls haven't needed to rush him back because Jimmy Butler has averaged 14.2 ppg and 8.6 rpg as his replacement and has been a viable fantasy option.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik hadn't scored more than six points in any of his last four games and had zero Friday night but he bounced back with 20 points and 16 rebounds Saturday against the Nets.
Insight: Asik has been in foul trouble lately but he stuck around for 31 minutes and 12 shots on Saturday. He's still averaging a double-double for the season.
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson had a game-high 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting with four assists and two rebounds Saturday against the Wizards.
Insight: Robinson attempted eight more field goals than anyone else on the Bulls Saturday. He has scored in double figures in six straight games and 41 points over his last two.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah nearly had a triple-double with nine points, 17 boards and 10 assists Saturday against the Wizards.
Insight: Noah only attempted five field goals but still tied for the points lead among the starters in a game Chicago only scored 73 points. The Bulls center is averaging 12.9 rebounds per game this month.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng (hamstring) is out again Saturday.
Insight: This will be his fifth straight missed game.. Jimmy Butler has averaged 15.3 ppg and 8.3 rpg while filling in for Deng and is a viable fantasy option.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng is questionable for Saturday's game against Washington. Deng has been battling a strained hamstring.
Insight: Deng has now missed four games in a row. Jimmy Butler has averaged 15.3 ppg and 8.3 rpg while filling in for Deng and is a viable fantasy option.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng is out for Friday's game against Golden State. Deng has been battling a strained hamstring.
Insight: Deng, who was recently selected to play in his second All-Star game, has now missed four games in a row. Jimmy Butler has averaged 15.3 ppg and 8.3 rpg while filling in for Deng.
Description: Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler scored 18 points with nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 46 minutes Wednesday as a starter at SF for Luol Deng.
Insight: Butler has started the last three games in place of the injured Luol Deng (hamstring) and averaged more than 45 minutes per contest. He put up 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals in that span.
Description: Chicago small forward Luol Deng (strained right hamstring) missed Wednesday night's game against the Pistons, his third consecutive game on the bench, and is doubtful for Friday's game versus Golden State.
Insight: Deng injured his hamstring last Friday against Boston and hasn't appeared in a game since. Second-year Marquette product Jimmy Butler has averaged 45 mpg over the last three contests as the starter and posted 15.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg. Those are certainly fantasy-worthy numbers.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah absorbed 18 rebounds Wednesday in an 85-82 win over the Pistons.
Insight: Noah has recorded at least 13 rebounds in six out of his last seven games. Too bad he's shot just 38.6 percent (27-for-70) from the field over that span.
Description: Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler scored 18 points with nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 46 minutes Wednesday.
Insight: Butler has started the last three games in place of the injured Luol Deng (hamstring) and played 46 minutes per contest. He's averaging 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals in that span.
Description: As expected, Chicago forward Luol Deng will miss Wednesday night's game against the Pistons.
Insight: Deng injured his hamstring Friday against Boston and hasn't appeared in a game since. Second-year Marquette product Jimmy Butler (5.8 ppg) has been starting in his place.
Description: Chicago Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler has averaged more than 45 mpg over the last two contests as the starting SF with Luol Deng (hamstring) out of the lineup.
Insight: He's putting up 14.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 3.5 apg as a starter and could be a viable fantasy asset until Deng returns to the court.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Detroit. He's still dealing with a sore hamstring and missed Tuesday's practice.
Insight: That's good news for Jimmy Butler. Butler has averaged more than 45 mpg over the last two contests with Deng out of the lineup. He's putting up 14.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg and 3.5 apg as a starter and could be a viable fantasy asset until Deng returns to the court.
Description: Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau believes guard Derrick Rose could return to full contract practice later this week. He's already missed the first 39 games of the season recovering from a torn ACL.
Insight: There's still no timetable for Rose's return but it looks like it's going to happen sooner rather than later. Nate Robinson (10.6 ppg) and Kirk Hinrich (6.3 ppg) will become fantasy nonfactors when Rose finally returns to full health.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng won't be available for Monday night's game against the Lakers. He's still dealing with a sore hamstring.
Insight: That's good news for Jimmy Butler's fantasy owners. Butler (18 points Saturday versus Memphis) shouldn't have trouble putting up points Monday against the Lakers' porous defense.
Description: Chicago forward Luol Deng is questionable for Monday's game against the LA Lakers. He tweaked his hamstring during Friday night's win over Boston and did not play on Saturday.
Insight: Jimmy Butler played 48 minutes on Saturday (18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists) and would again get the bulk of the playing time if Deng can't go.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah was benched for the fourth quarter and overtime Saturday. SOURCE: ESPN Chicago
Insight: Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau called it a "coach's decision." Noah was a minus-19 on the floor last night, while Taj Gibson was a plus-14, so it's possible Thibodeau was unhappy with Noah's defense on Grizzlies center Marc Gasol.
Description: Chicago forward Luol Deng won't be available for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies. He tweaked his hamstring during Friday night's win over Boston.
Insight: Jimmy Butler seems like the most likely candidate to start in place of Deng, who is missing his first game of the season. Butler had 13 points and four rebounds in 25 minutes Friday night against the Celtics.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (hamstring) left Friday's game against Boston after aggravating his injury and is doubtful for Saturday's game against Memphis.
Insight: Deng came up lame on a fast break and had to retreat to the locker room. The forward was already a game-time decision Friday after tweaking his hamstring Wednesday. He's been playing excellent basketball, averaging 17.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.1 spg.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik led the team with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting with 12 rebounds, one steal and three blocks Friday against the Pacers.
Insight: Asik has put together three double-doubles in his last four games. After failing to block a shot for three straight games, he has rejected five over the last two.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (hamstring) left Friday's game against Boston after aggravating his injury.
Insight: Deng came up lame on a fast break and had to retreat to the locker room. The forward was a game-time decision Friday after tweaking his hamstring Wednesday.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng is questionable for Friday's game against Boston due to a strained right hamstring. He'll be a game-time decision according to beat writer Nick Friedell.
Insight: Deng has picked up his game this season, doing his part to help replace the lost points created by the Derrick Rose knee injury. Deng is averaging 17.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.0 apg.
Description: Chicago guard Rip Hamilton has scored 13 ppg on 66.7 percent shooting his last two games.
Insight: Hamilton is only playing 20 mpg in eight games since returning from an injury. He has been splitting time at shooting guard with Marco Belinelli and isn't worthy of a fantasy roster spot at this time.
Description: Houston center Omer Asik had his first double-double of January with 16 points and 10 rebounds Saturday against Philadelphia.
Insight: Asik is only averaging 9.0 points and 9.1 rebounds in 26 minutes over his last 10 games. The center played 31 mpg in his first 28 games and averaged 10.9 points and 11.8 boards per game. Saturday was the first time he played 30-plus minutes since Dec. 31.
Description: Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer hasn't been a 20 ppg scorer in five seasons, but he's been playing at that level over the past five games.
Insight: Boozer is averaging 24.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.4 apg in the month of January and has six double-doubles in his last seven games.
Description: Luol Deng led the Bulls with 33 points on 13-of-18 shooting Friday night in a win over the Knicks.
Insight: That's a season-high for the veteran forward. Deng has averaged 28 ppg in three contests against the Knicks this season. The Bulls are 3-0 in those games.
Description: Omer Asik has never been an impressive free throw shooter but Friday he was worse than usual. The Houston center went 1-for-8 from the charity stripe as the Rockets fell to the Celtics 103-91.
Insight: That's not getting it done. Fortunately for fantasy owners, Asik managed to come down with a team-high 11 rebounds.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is listed as a starter for Friday's game versus the Knicks. Hinrich had been a game-time decision because of a sprained elbow.
Insight: Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago notes that Tom Thibodeau has a tendency to make changes at the last minute so don't consider this to be set in stone. Nate Robinson would get the start if Hinrich is pulled out at the last second.
Description: Chicago point guard Kirk Hinrich is questionable for Friday's game against New York. Hinrich has a sprained elbow and missed Wednesday's game . He'll be a game-time decision.
Insight: Nate Robinson (11.2 ppg) will probably get the start in Hinrich's place. Robinson is a better fantasy option that Hinrich (6.8 ppg, 5.5 apg) anyway.
Description: Chicago point guard Kirk Hinrich is out for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee. Hinrich has a sprained elbow.
Insight: Nate Robinson (11 ppg) will probably get the start in Hinrich's place. Robinson is a better fantasy option that Hinrich (6.8 ppg, 5.5 apg) anyway.
Description: Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is questionable for Wednesday's game against Milwaukee with a lacerated right elbow.
Insight: Hinrich hasn't provided much to fantasy owners this season, averaging just 6.8 ppg, 5.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds. Nate Robinson has been the backcourt scoring option of late.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik has only attempted five field goals over his last two games. He scored two points with five rebounds and two blocks in 22 minutes Tuesday against the Lakers.
Insight: Asik only played 21 minutes Saturday and scored four points. There just haven't been a lot of shots to go around for the big man in the high-powered Rockets offense lately.
Description: Bulls guard Derrick Rose has been having "controlled contact" in practice. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPNChicago.com
Insight: Rose isn't cleared for full contact yet but he's working his way there. There's still no timetable for the point guard's return more than eight months after he tore his ACL.
Description: Bulls forward Vladimir Radmanovic is questionable for Monday's game against Cleveland due to flu-like symptoms.
Insight: Averaging just 1.3 ppg and 0.5 rpg, Radmanovic has no fantasy value but his absence would require more minutes from Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah was back in action Friday against Miami after missing a game due to the flu. Noah had 13 points, 12 boards, four assists and a steal in Chicago's win.
Insight: It was Noah's first double-double since Dec. 21. Noah's 4.4 assists per game pace the center position.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng was held in check against Miami on Friday. He scored just six points on 2-of-9 shooting.
Insight: Deng was guarded tightly by LeBron James so we're willing to give him a pass on this one. Chicago's next matchup, versus Cleveland on Monday, should prove to be much easier for the Bulls' leading scorer; the Cavs are last in the NBA in opposing field goal percentage (.471).
Description: Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer has scored 58 points with 23 rebounds over his last two games.
Insight: Boozer is averaging 23 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals with a .536 shooting percentage during a current string of four straight double-doubles.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah (flu) is active for Friday's game against the Miami Heat. SOURCE: Joseph Goodman, Miami Herald
Insight: Noah's been in a bit of a slump recently and missed Wednesday's game with the flu. Maybe a clean bill of healthy will help him turn things around.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah has recovered from the flu and is expected to play Friday night against the Heat.
Insight: Noah's been in a bit of a slump recently. Over his last three games, he's averaging just 6.3 ppg. Luckily for fantasy owners, Noah has still been a force on the boards (eight rpg in his last three contests).
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng has scored 43 points with 15 rebounds, six assists and four steals over his last two games.
Insight: Deng appears to be over the ankle and shoulder injuries that plagued him last week. He's produced two consecutive 20-point games, including 23 Wednesday against the Magic.
Description: Bulls forward Taj Gibson got a spot start in place of Joakim Noah (illness) on Wednesday against the Magic and produced his first double-double of the season. Gibson scored 21 points (8-12 FG, 5-6 FT) with 11 rebounds, three assists and four blocks.
Insight: It was the first 20-point game for Gibson since March of his rookie year. Noah's flu-like symptoms should begin to dissipate soon but it's good to see Gibson would be able to produce solid numbers if he had to start for an extended period of time.
Description: Even without Joakim Noah, Chicago's frontcourt abused Orlando on Wednesday, with power forward Carlos Boozer leading the charge. Boozer scored a season-high 31 points on 13-of-22 shooting in 40 minutes with 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Insight: Boozer has produced three straight double-doubles, averaging 21.7 points and 12.3 rebounds during that stretch.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (illness) won't play Wednesday. Taj Gibson will start in his place. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Noah has been an across-the-board contributor this season and is one of the top overall fantasy options in the NBA. He's averaging 12.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.4 spg and 2.1 bpg. Hopefully he'll be over the flu-like symptoms by the time Chicago plays Miami on Jan. 4.
Description: Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (knee) will play Wednesday against the Magic. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, CSNChicago.com
Insight: Hinrich missed Monday's game with a sore left knee. He hasn't provided anything to fantasy owners this season, averaging just 6.7 points on 36.4 percent shooting with a .675 free-throw percentage, 5.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.9 threes per game.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah (illness) will be a game-time decision on Wednesday but his chances to play are in doubt. SOURCE: Chicago Tribune
Insight: Noah has been an across-the-board contributor this season and is one of the top overall fantasy options in the NBA. He's averaging 12.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.4 spg and 2.1 bpg. He was slowed Monday against the Bobcats due to flu-like symptoms, didn't attend Tuesday's practice and stayed at the team hotel for Wednesday's shootaround, so it's not looking good for Wednesday game.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah is questionable for Wednesday's game against Orlando. He's been sick and missed the morning shootaround.
Insight: Noah has been an across-the-board contributor this season and is one of the top overall fantasy options in the NBA. He's averaging 12.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.4 spg and 2.1 bpg. Obviously, a must-start if in the Bulls' starting lineup.
Description: Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is questionable for Wednesday's game against Orlando. He's battling a sore left knee.
Insight: Hinrich has been dealing with knee issues on and off all season, but should play barring a setback during the morning shootaround. Hinrich isn't scoring much (6.7 ppg), but is contributing 2.6 rpg and 5.4 apg. Nate Robinson (11 ppg, 3.6 apg) would take his place in the starting lineup if Hinrich can't suit up.
Description: Chicago power forward Carlos Boozer produced one of his better all-around games of the season Monday against Charlotte. He finished the afternoon with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Insight: Boozer also handed out three assists and didn't commit a turnover. Despite Boozer's strong game, the Bulls lost 91-81, snapping the Bobcats' 18-game losing streak.
Description: Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is out for Monday's game against Charlotte. He's battling a sore knee.
Insight: Hinrich has been dealing with knee issues on and off all season. Nate Robinson (11.2 ppg) is expected to take his place in the starting lineup.
Description: Even though Richard Hamilton's return from a foot injury bumped Bulls guard Marco Belinelli back to the bench, he still scored 17 points with three assists and two threes per game Saturday night.
Insight: It was important to see that Belinelli can still contribute even though he's no longer a starter after averaging 16.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 assists in 37 mpg over his previous 11 games. Belinelli played 33 minutes off the bench Saturday and has clearly moved ahead of Jimmy Butler in Chicago's shooting guard rotation.
Description: Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer's double-double (15-12) Saturday night was his first in four games.
Insight: Boozer (13.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg) used to be a guaranteed double-double back in his Utah days. That's no longer the case. Since he also doesn't offer any blocks or a decent free-throw percentage, Boozer is just a mid-level fantasy forward-center.
Description: Chicago guard Rip Hamilton produced nine points in his return to the court Saturday against Washington. Hamilton had missed the team's previous 12 games with an injured foot.
Insight: Hamilton looked good in his 15 minutes of action but admitted his foot was still bothering him a bit. The injury could linger all year so we wouldn't put much faith in Hamilton going forward.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng (ankle, shoulder) is still a game-time decision Saturday despite fully participating in shootaround. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, CSNChicago.com
Insight: Deng is having a solid season, averaging 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.7 apg and 0.9 spg. The ankle injury is the more serious concern at this time since he played through the shoulder injury on Christmas Day, but Sam seems to think Deng will start.
Description: After fully participating in shootaround Saturday, Bulls guard Richard Hamilton (foot) is likely to start against the Wizards. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, CSN Chicago
Insight: Hamilton suffered a torn plantar fascia in a Dec. 1 game against Philadelphia. His return will push Marco Belinelli, who is averaging 15.3 ppg in 12 starts, back to the bench. According to Sam, Hamilton will have limited playing time Saturday night so fantasy owners should leave him on the bench.
Description: Chicago guard Richard Hamilton (foot) is a game-time call Saturday after practicing Friday. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, CSN Chicago
Insight: Hamilton suffered a torn plantar fascia in a Dec. 1 game against Philadelphia. He had played well over the first 15 games, averaging 13.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.3 apg. His return will push Marco Belinelli, who is averaging 15.3 ppg in 12 starts, back to the bench.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng (ankle, shoulder) will be a game-time decision Saturday. Deng didn't do much in practice Friday. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, CSNChicago.com
Insight: Deng is having a solid season, averaging 17.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.7 apg and 0.9 spg. The ankle injury is the more serious concern at this time since he played through the shoulder injury on Christmas Day.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik racked up 20 points and 18 rebounds during Houston's Christmas Day 120-97 blowout win over the Bulls.
Insight: James Harden and Jeremy Lin get most of the media attention, but the big man, Asik, is one of the key's to their success. Asik is averaging 10.6 ppg and 11.4 rpg with 13 double-doubles. He's still available in about 35 percent of all leagues. If he's a free agent in yours, he should be your next waiver claim.
Description: Bulls guard Derrick Rose, who is still working his way back from a torn ACL, has been running and shooting, though no official schedule has been announced.
Insight: Expectations are that Rose will be back sometime in February. Don't expect the superstar Rose to start, he'll slowly build toward the playoffs.
Description: Chicago guard Richard Hamilton, who has been out while suffering a torn plantar fascia in his left foot, has begun running.
Insight: Hamilton suffered the injury in a Dec. 1 game against Philadelphia. He had played well over the first 15 games, averaging 13.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.3 apg.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng is still listed as probable for Tuesday's game against Houston despite missing Monday's practice. He's dealing with a sprained left shoulder that he injured in Saturday's contest.
Insight: Deng is having an excellent season, averaging 17.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.0 spg. The Bulls' forward had just come off a 29-point, 13-rebound outing on Friday, so we hope this injury doesn't effect his game.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng is probable for Tuesday's game against Houston while dealing with a sprained left shoulder that he injured in Saturday's contest.
Insight: Deng is having an excellent season, averaging 17.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.0 spg. The Bulls' forward had just come off a 29-point, 13-rebound outing on Friday, so we hope this injury doesn't hurt his game too much.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik is averaging 15.5 points and 13.5 rebounds over his last two games after failing to pick up a double-double in seven of his previous eight games.
Insight: Asik's scoring slipped earlier this month but he's back to doing what he does best -- collect double-doubles.
Description: Bulls shooting guard Marco Belinelli's four points Saturday snapped a string of nine straight double-digit scoring games.
Insight: Belinelli came in averaging 17.7 points with 2.0 3-point makes per game over his last nine games after moving into the starting lineup on Dec. 4. Richard Hamilton is still out indefinitely with a left foot sprain.
Description: Bulls forward Taj Gibson (ankle) sat out of Thursday's practice. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Gibson said after Tuesday's game that he planned to play Friday versus New York but he's questionable. With averages of 6.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, Gibson doesn't do enough to help fantasy owners.
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson made a season-high five 3-pointers on seven attempts Tuesday and finished with 18 points.
Insight: Robinson hasn't had a strong season shooting from 3-point range; even with Tuesday's effort, he's shooting just 36.7 percent from long distance this season. He shouldn't be more than your fourth or fifth fantasy guard.
Description: Chicago small forward Luol Deng had 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting (11-of-12 FT) with four rebounds and three assists Tuesday against Boston.
Insight: Deng has been extremely consistent this year. There were just two games in which he didn't score in double figures and two in which he failed to grab at least five rebounds.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah handed out double-digit assists for the first time this season while also scoring 11 points and grabbing 13 rebounds to complete the triple-double. He also blocked three shots and picked up a steal.
Insight: Noah has been outstanding this season across the board and is one of the top overall fantasy options in the NBA.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich is probable for Monday's game against Memphis. He's been dealing with a bruised left knee.
Insight: Hinrich went through pre-game warm ups for Saturday's game against Brooklyn, but did not play. He's averaging 6.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 5.5 apg as derrick Rose's replacement. Rose is still a long way from returning to the court, perhaps not until March.
Description: Bulls shooting guard Marco Belinelli is averaging 19 ppg with 2.5 3-pointers per game in his last six games.
Insight: Belinelli moved into the starting lineup in place of the injured Richard Hamilton seven games ago and has really made a strong impression. He's also averaging 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals in his last six games.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (knee) is a game-time decision Saturday against the Nets. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Hinrich participated in some of shootaround Saturday after missing Wednesday's game with a sore knee. Hinrich is only averaging 6.7 points and 5.5 assists per game this season so fantasy owners aren't missing him too much while he's out.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich isn't available for Wednesday's game against Philadelphia. He's battling an injured knee.
Insight: Hinrich, who is also recovering from an elbow injury, tweaked his knee Tuesday in a loss to the Clippers. Nate Robinson (10.9 ppg) is getting the start in Hinrich's place.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich is probable for Tuesday's game against the LA Clippers with a bruised left elbow.
Insight: Hinrich has been the starter in Derrick Rose's absence. He's averaging 6.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 5.6 apg, shooting 35 percent from distance, but just 65.8 percent from the line.
Description: Chicago center Joakim Noah exploded for 30 points, 23 rebounds and six assists Friday in a win against the Pistons.
Insight: Noah even chipped in with two steals and two blocks while giving the ball away only twice. He remains one of the more consistent contributors among fantasy big men.
Description: The Bulls will turn to Marco Belinelli to start at shooting guard with Richard Hamilton sidelined with a torn plantar fascia. SOURCE: K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune
Insight: Nate Robinson and Jimmy Butler will continue to come off the bench. None of the three figure to benefit much from Hamilton's absence as they split his 27 mpg, though Robinson is the best option because he also gets PG minutes.
Description: Chicago guard Richard Hamilton is out indefinitely after suffering a torn plantar fascia in his left foot.
Insight: Hamilton suffered the injury in Saturday's game against Philadelphia. He's played well over the first 15 games, averaging 13.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.3 apg. Marco Belinelli should move into the starting role, though Hamilton's absence could also mean more minutes for Nate Robinson.
Description: Chicago guard Richard Hamilton is set to have an MRI on his sprained left foot.
Insight: Hamilton suffered the injury in Saturday's game against Philadelphia. He left the game briefly but was able to return later on, which leads us to believe that this isn't anything too serious.
Description: Chicago small forward Luol Deng had another strong all-around game Saturday against Philadelphia. In 42 minutes, Deng finished with 25 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
Insight: Deng has now scored at least 20 points in each of his last two games after going the previous five games without reaching that threshold. Without Derrick Rose in the lineup Deng has been asked to play a much bigger role on offense, which explains why he's leading the team with 18.1 ppg.
Description: Bulls guard Richard Hamilton had to leave Saturday's game against Philadelphia with a sprained left foot.
Insight: He's done for the night and could be on the shelf for the next couple of games. Look for Nate Robinson to move into the starting lineup if Hamilton misses Tuesday's game against Indiana.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik's 13 points and 18 boards Tuesday against Toronto gave him his seventh double-double of the season.
Insight: Asik had three rough games in a row in mid-November, scoring just 14 points with 22 rebounds total from Nov. 16-19. However, he's picked things back up with two consecutive double-doubles.
Description: Bulls guard Marco Belinelli is losing minutes to Jimmy Butler and it's because of his lack of defense, according to Joe Crowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Insight: Unlike his last season in New Orleans, the coach in the Windy City requires his players to work at both ends of the floor. Belinelli is averaging just under 15 mpg in Chicago versus about 30 minutes a game in New Orleans and his statistics have taken a significant hit.
Description: Chicago shooting guard Richard Hamilton knocked in a season-high 30 points Monday in a loss to the Bucks.
Insight: Hamilton has bounced back with two excellent games in a row following a rare hiccup last week against Houston (just four points on 2-of-10 shooting).
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson took a season-high 22 shots Wednesday at Houston and made nine for 22 points. He also had five rebounds and five assists.
Insight: Robinson has been far more valuable than starter Kirk Hinrich (4.8 ppg), scoring 12.8 points with 2.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik has pulled down at least 12 rebounds in seven of nine games this season. He's also scored in double figures in six straight.
Insight: Asik is a poor offensive player but he's still finding ways to score after averaging 5.3 points and 14.3 rebounds the first three games of the season. He's kept the rebounding and block numbers strong since then and has added in a bit of scoring to help fantasy owners.
Description: Chicago power forward Carlos Boozer bounced back with 28 points Wednesday night in a win over Phoenix.
Insight: That's a season-high for the 11-year veteran. Boozer also grabbed a season-best 14 rebounds in the win. The Bulls will be back in action Saturday against the Clippers.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich will start Wednesday night against Phoenix. Hinrich missed Monday's game versus Boston because of a strained hip.
Insight: Hinrich has certainly produced some strange numbers this season. Despite a remarkable 40 percent success rate from three-point range, he's only shooting 32.5 percent overall and his free throw percentage is a ghastly 44.4 percent.
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson is averaging 14.5 ppg and 4.5 apg over the past two contests while taking advantage of 30 minutes of playing time.
Insight: Starter Kirk Hinrich is still questionable with a hip injury so Robinson should continue to play well in his absence.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (hip) is out indefinitely with a strained right hip.
Insight: Nate Robinson (11.5 ppg) wil jump into the starting lineup and should be added in deeper leagues with Chicago playing four games in the next seven days.
Description: Bulls forward Carlos Boozer has scored just 27 points over his last four games.
Insight: Boozer went 0-for-5 Saturday against the Timberwolves to drop his shooting percentage to .250 over the last four games. At least he's still rebounding, averaging 8.8 in that span, but that shouldn't be enough to keep him off fantasy benches.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah played 38 minutes Saturday against the Timberwolves and produced 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting with seven boards, three assists and steal and four blocks.
Insight: Noah has never averaged more than 11.7 ppg in a season but he's at 15 ppg after six games this season. He's also putting up his usual heavy rebound and block totals (9.2 and 2.5 per game, respectively).
Description: Luol Deng hurt his thumb late in Thursday night's loss to Oklahoma City but the Chicago forward should be a go for Saturday night's game versus the Timberwolves.
Insight: Deng has averaged 14.6 ppg for his career against Minnesota.
Description: A cold start to the season heated up quickly Tuesday for Bulls forward Luol Deng. He shot 9-of-16 from the field for 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had four assists.
Insight: Deng shot 14-of-36 for 13.3 ppg in the first three games this season. He's been able to salvage his value with 8.3 rebounds per game and his scoring average should only rise from here.
Description: Bulls guard Richard Hamilton has only scored 11 total points the last two games after scoring 19 in each of the first two.
Insight: Hamilton's shot has gone cold -- he's hit just 5-of-18 the last two games. Fantasy owners shouldn't give Hamilton too long of a leash if his scoring drops since he provides virtually nothing else.
Description: Bulls guard Nate Robinson had a strong night off the bench Friday against the Cavaliers, scoring 16 points with 12 assists and five boards on 7-of-9 shooting.
Insight: Don't be surprised if Robinson continues to cut into Kirk Hinrich's minutes at point guard.
Description: Bulls guard Richard Hamilton has scored 19 points in each of the first two games this season.
Insight: Hamilton averaged just 11.6 points per game in 28 games a season ago, his lowest average since his rookie year. He should improve on that this year if he stays healthy. The shots will be there with Derrick Rose on the sidelines.
Description: Bulls forward Carlos Boozer has averaged 18.5 ppg in his first two contests this season.
Insight: Boozer scored 19 on 7-of-11 shooting with seven rebounds and six assists Friday against the Cavaliers. He should continue to produce as the team's top scoring option with Derrick Rose out.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik failed to score a single point Friday against the Hakws on seven field goal attempts but he managed to grab 19 rebounds.
Insight: Asik is averaging 34 minutes per game in his first two contests with Houston. He scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting in the season opener so we aren't worried too much about his scoreless effort Friday. You play Asik for his rebounds and blocked shots and he provided an abundance of the former Friday.
Description: Rockets center Omer Asik scored 12 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked two shots with one steal in his team debut Wednesday.
Insight: Asik played 33 minutes, 18 more than he averaged last season with Chicago. The defensive stalwart should have a career year in a starting role.
Description: The Bulls and forward Taj Gibson have come to terms on a new four-year, $38 million contract extension.
Insight: Gibson put up a pedestrian four points on five rebounds Wednesday against Sacramento but he also had an incredible four blocks. Consistency might be an issue for Gibson but his athleticism and wide range of skills make him at least worth monitoring in fantasy hoops.
Description: Center Joakim Noah paced the Bulls with a double-double Wednesday against the Kings.
Insight: Noah went off for 23 points and 10 rebounds in 40 minutes. He also added three blocks and five steals. Chicago's next game will be Friday against Cleveland.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is dealing with a groin injury but is expected to play Wednesday against Sacramento.
Insight: With Derrick Rose sidelined, the Bulls need Hinrich's point guard skills if they are to win games. Hinrich averaged just 6.6 ppg and 2.8 apg last season, but is a career 12.5 ppg, 5.4 apg guard who should produce solid numbers in the Bulls' offense.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is dealing with a groin injury and is questionable for Friday's preseason game.
Insight: With Derrick Rose sidelined, the Bulls won't chance making the injury worse over the final week of the preseason. With the other PG choices being Nate Robinson and rookie Marquis Teague, the Bulls can't afford to lose Hinrich for any length of time.
Description: Bulls forward Carlos Boozer had a team-high 24 points in Tuesday's preseason game versus Oklahoma City. Boozer also grabbed 12 boards and dished out five assists.
Insight: Chicago is going to have to rely heavily on Boozer this season with Derrick Rose out indefinitely with a torn ACL. He should be able to turn around his declining scoring and rebounding averages with more minutes and shots.
Description: Rockets starting center Omer Asik, formerly of Chicago, put up solid statistics on Sunday night with 13 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Insight: Asik (3.1, 5.3 rpg, 1 bpg for the Bulls last season) appears to be much improved and could be a viable fantasy asset if he can continue at this pace. He's averaging 9.3 ppg, 11 rpg and 2.7 apg in the preseason. Given the lack of known production on the Rockets' roster, Asik could be a factor.
Description: Bulls guard Derrick Rose told NBATV that he might not play at all this season. Rose is still working his way back from a torn ACL suffered during last year's playoffs.
Insight: Without Rose, Kirk Hinrich will open the year as the starting point guard with the rest of the minutes being split between Marquis Teague and Nate Robinson.
Description: The Chicago Tribune reports Bulls center Joakim Noah's injured ankle has fully healed.
Insight: Now that he's healthy again, fantasy owners can expect Noah (10.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.4 bpg) to be a reliable source for rebounds and blocked shots just like he was a year ago.
Description: According to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, Derrick Rose's recovery from a torn ACL has been good. Rose is starting to shoot and he "sees improvement every week."
Insight: Rose is still unlikely to return until March after tearing his ACL in the team's first playoff game last April.
Description: Guard Nate Robinson has agreed to a deal to become a Chicago Bull.
Insight: That's probably not great news for Kirk Hinrich, who was hoping to get a lot of minutes at point guard for Chicago while Derrick Rose recovers from a torn ACL. Robinson averaged 11.2 ppg in 51 games for Golden State in 2011-12.
Description: The Rockets have signed center Omer Asik to a new three-year, $25 million contract. Asik was a restricted free agent but Chicago chose not to match Houston's offer sheet.
Insight: Asik (3.1, 5.3 rpg, 1 bpg for the Bulls last season) will compete with rookie Donatas Motiejunas for the Rockets' starting center job.
Description: Center Nazr Mohammed has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Insight: Mohammed (2.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg) didn't have much of a fantasy impact in Oklahoma City last season and he probably won't in Chicago unless Joakim Noah (10.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg) gets hurt again.
Description: Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich, who returns to the team he began his career with, should be a solid fantasy value in 2012, with MVP Derrick Rose (knee) sidelined and C.J. Watson signing with Brooklyn.
Insight: Hinrich averaged 6.6 ppg and 2.8 apg in 48 games for Atlanta last season, but should approach his career average (12.5 ppg and 5.4 apg) at least until Rose returns in March or April.
Description: Previous estimates had Bulls MVP point guard Derrick Rose sitting until at least January, but Chicago beat writer K.C. Johnson is saying "out until March."
Insight: Johnson usually gets it right, so we should probably plan on the Bulls being without their superstar until the final month. With C.J. Watson in Brooklyn, the fantasy value of Kirk Hinrich should continue to rise.
Description: Guard Kirk Hinrich will return to the team he began his career with, the Chicago Bulls. His deal is worth $6 million over two seasons.
Insight: Hinrich will probably be Chicago's best bet at point guard when the season begins with Derrick Rose still recovering from an ACL tear and C.J. Watson still weighing his options on the free agent market. Hinrich averaged 6.6 ppg and 2.8 apg in 48 games for Atlanta last season, both well below his career averages of 12.5 ppg and 5.4 apg.
Description: The Bulls have told forward Luol Deng that he will not be traded to Golden State for the seventh pick in Thursday's upcoming NBA Draft.
Insight: Deng (15.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg) was selected as an Eastern Conference All-Star for the first time in 2011-12 and it appears the Bulls ultimately decided that he was too valuable to trade for a draft pick.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng says he would not be surprised if he is traded during the offseason.
Insight: Rumors have been swirling about the Bulls possibly trading Deng for a lottery pick in Thursday's upcoming NBA Draft. Deng tallied 15.3 ppg last season to go along with 6.5 rpg.
