The Chicago Bulls enter tonight's game with an overall record of 3-4 and are dealing with several injuries within their lineup. However, most of these players, including the starters, are considered likely to play tonight Josh Giddey And Patrick Williams and bench forward Jalen Smiththeir primary scoring option Zach LaVine is still questionable after missing their last game against the Utah Jazz.

The aforementioned Giddey has held the point guard spot so far this year and his shooting has been solid heading into 2024, hitting an uncharacteristic 44% of his threes. The rest of his play was solid – he averaged 14.4 points but also recorded 7.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, giving the Bulls a degree of versatility on the court as their primary initiator. He is dealing with a non-COVID illness and is expected to play in tonight's game against Dallas.

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The other guard belonged Coby Whitethe Bulls' third-leading scorer who has alternated between lead guard and off-ball duties this season and done a good job in both cases. He scores 20.7 points per game, distributes 4.6 dimes and grabs 4.3 rebounds. White is one of two players in this starting lineup who is not injured and can probably be relied upon quite a bit in this Mavericks game.

As for small forward, the Bulls are hoping LaVine can play tonight. He is their leading scorer with 22.7 points per game. He is an advanced shot maker and fantastic athlete who, when utilized, can change a game by converting difficult attacks and getting to the rim. If Chicago hopes to beat Dallas, they will almost certainly need the firepower that LaVine provides on offense to keep up Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving. His athleticism at 6-foot-10 makes him a difficult task for any defender and could force the Mavericks to add an experienced defender Naji Marshall Most of the game on the wing.

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If LaVine can't play, the Bulls will play Ayo Dosunmuwho had one of the best points games of his career against the Jazz on Monday with 25 points on 9 of 13 from the field. The 24-year-old is more accustomed to playing as a combo guard rather than a small forward, but can fill that role if the Bulls need him.

Power forward is another question, and while Patrick Williams has held the spot for most of the season and will likely play tonight as well, he has struggled recently. On the year, he averaged just 8.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 28.0 minutes per game while shooting a team-low 31.7% from the field. Although he spends more time on the field defense than offense, his defensive rating is 113.0. Compared to his offensive rating of 86.0, it's clear that Williams is a net negative for the Bulls at this point.

At the center is Chicago Nikola Vucevica strong offensive player, but one who struggles to protect the rim. In his 13th season, he put up strong stats, averaging 21.7 points per game as well as 10.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He was also very efficient, hitting 54.8% on field goals overall and 48% from distance. Since Dallas is missing Dereck Lively II It will be time due to a shoulder sprain Daniel Gafford and the rest of the forecourt (minus one injured person). PJ Washington) to keep Vucevic at bay.

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Other players seeing minutes are guards Dalen Terrythe aforementioned forward Jalen Smith (probable according to injury reports) and a bit of winging from the 21-year-old Julian Phillips. Guard Talen Horton Tucker could also get some floor time, especially considering Dosunmu will be playing wing minutes and they will need reserves on the defensive side.

The Mavericks are banged up, but so is Chicago, and considering how porous the Bulls' perimeter defense has been this season, this should be a good game for Dallas after they lost 134-127 to the Pacers on Monday . Chicago can still score, especially when LaVine plays, but if not, there is no excuse for Dallas not to get the win.

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