Calf concerns for Kobe White keep him out of Chicago’s early preseason, reshaping the Bulls’ rotation as they chase optimal rhythm before opening night. Patrick Williams has been the brightest spark, delivering energy, rebounding, and scoring that hint at a larger role. Josh Giddy delivered the most complete preseason performance yet, showcasing his scoring, vision, and off-ball movement that could unlock faster flows once Kobe returns. Guard depth, rotation balance, and how two-guard looks mesh with Kobe’s timeline remain the key questions.

Mock lineups with multiple guards are being tested as Billy Donovan weighs minutes for IO DeSumo, Trey Jones, and others behind Kobe. Denver’s upcoming clash and the Bucks’ intensity loom large for readiness. The overarching narrative: can Williams sustain momentum, can Giddy grow as a facilitator, and which wing steps into bigger responsibility as the rotation tightens?

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.