Io DeSumo led the Bulls’ second unit with 22 on 8-of-11, zero turnovers, igniting a late surge against Milwaukee. Josh Giddey ran the offense with 14-8-7, not forcing — a sign he can be the engine of Chicago’s attack. Chicago’s rotation debate centers on keeping Io as a six-man versus sliding him into the starting five as Pat Williams and the rest of the group show growing chemistry.

The defense focuses on sealing paint and cutting downhill drives, with Jokic looming in Denver next. A milestone 90K subs promo capped the night, underscoring the theme: health, consistency, and a versatile, balanced roster are the path from preseason gains to regular-season impact for fantasy managers.

Isaiah Jackson rockets up Yahoo pre-rank, leaping from 419 to 145, with his ADP now in play by the 11th round. Tari Eason vaults 141 to 101, reshaping late-round targets; Cooper Flagg and Derek Lively land in the mid- to late-round conversation as high-upside centers. The episode also repositions proven vets like Austin Reeves, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jimmy Butler, while Jokic, Bridges, and Poeltl settle in as safer anchors. A Buckets-driven reclassification pushes players around, stressing safer mid-range centers and high-usage wings for nine-cat builds.

Chicago won a tight preseason clash with Cleveland, riding Trey Jones’s two-way leadership (10 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals) and Io Dosunmu’s 16-point burst to balance aGuard-heavy attack. Josh Giddy flashed playmaking late but too many early reads and turnovers kept the Cavs in striking distance, underscoring the risk-reward of Chicago’s guard-heavy approach. Okoro and Collins injected defense and short-roll offense, while injuries to Kobe White and Herder opened the door for depth tests as Donovan Donovan pressed ball security and pace.

Okoro’s perimeter defense and Collins’s steady rim work offered a contrasting floor, while the Bulls chased a two-ball-handler look to keep pace—Giddy paired with Jones or Dosunmu in transition. Williams energy and Carter’s readiness added juice, hinting at a versatile, two-way guard rotation. The injury updates and ongoing turnover concerns loom as the rotation takes shape ahead of opening night.

Modis Buselovich flashed a refined, slower tempo and sharper reads in the Bulls’ 118-117 win, signaling a potential year-two breakout. Dalon Terry delivered the clutch moment with a game-saving block, fueling optimism about the team’s bench and defensive versatility. Javon Carter, Noah Essengay and Zach Collins supplied quick-impact energy, while Patrick Williams showed improved decision-making and aggression. Turnovers remain the concern, but the guard rotation is waking up, and the tenth-man battle at the backcourt is wide open as the Bulls prepare for more Cavs action.