Following a loss to the Washington Wizards to begin 2025, the Chicago Bulls have rattled off two straight victories against the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. The Bulls defeated the Knicks 139-126 before defeating the Spurs in a thriller, 114-110.
Chicago is now 4-1 in its last four contests. Potential trade candidate Zach LaVine has stepped up his game amid Chicago’s recent hot streak. The 29-year-old guard has averaged 30.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while converting 55.3 percent of his field goals and 51.5 percent of his triples.
Besides LaVine, Coby White has shrugged off a month-long shooting slump to begin the New Year. White is averaging 23.6 points and 6.2 assists per game over his last five appearances. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is rivaling LaVine’s hot shooting, connecting on 50.6 percent of his field goal attempts and 43.9 percent of his three-pointers.
Head Coach Billy Donovan has also upped reserve guard Lonzo Ball’s minutes in recent outings. The 6-foot-6 playmaker is up to 23.5 minutes per game over his last five games. The triumvirate of guard’s exceptional play has occurred at the best time possible. Coincidentally, Ayo Dosunmu, who hasn’t appeared in a game since before Christmas, is expected to be out for at least another week.
Ayo Dosunmu will miss Chicago’s next three games
Missing Ayo is a tough blow for the Bulls. The 24-year-old was averaging career-highs across the board before he went down. Dosunmu averaged 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game before being sidelined with his calf strain.
After originally being ruled out for at least five games, Donovan stated that his fourth-year guard would miss Chicago’s next three contests against the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings. However, Dosunmu’s absence will likely extend beyond next Monday, as Donovan referred to Ayo’s comeback as a “ramp-up process.”
Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson elaborated by linking the vague term “ramp-up” to sprinting, which apparently triggered Dosunmu’s calf soreness in the first place. With LaVine, White, and Ball all playing so well, Dosunmu’s return to action will certainly not be rushed. Aside from the trio mentioned above, another guard, Josh Giddey, is averaging a double-double over his last five games, further alleviating Dosunmu’s premature return to the hardwood.
In addition to the improved play of the Bulls’ backcourt curtailing the need to rush Dosunmu back to the floor, Chicago’s upcoming opponents justify Ayo’s leisurely return. The Bulls will only take on one opponent with a record above .500 over the next two weeks.
