Injury report: Chicago Bulls could be without six key pieces vs. Detroit Pistons

Lonzo Ball is out; Caruso and Green are probable, White, Williams, and Jones Jr. are questionable to play.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (15-19) host the Detroit Pistons (9-28) tonight, looking to win their second straight game after an impressive overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lonzo Ball out with a left knee injury; Alex Caruso (concussion) and Javonte Green (right knee soreness) are probable; Coby White (left leg), Patrick Williams (left clavicle contusion), and Derrick Jones Jr. (left ankle sprain) are questionable to play.

Chicago Bulls starting lineup:

C: Nikola Vucevic

PF: Patrick Williams

SF: DeMar DeRozan

SG: Zach LaVine

PG: Ayo Dosunmu

Caruso and Green are probable against the Pistons

Alex Caruso entered the league's concussion protocol after a collision with Atlanta Hawks' De'Andre Hunter on December 21. He's also nursing a right shoulder sprain he suffered in the same game.

"They'll (the team's medical staff) evaluate him after a period of time to check on his symptoms," Billy Donovan said after Tuesday's practice when Caruso scrimmaged with the team. "They'll have to get him out of concussion protocol. Once he gets out of that, then it's gonna be (managing) his shoulder."

Javonte Green returned on Wednesday after nearly two weeks and played 17 minutes off the bench, scoring five points and grabbing four rebounds in a win against Milwaukee. He could play a similar role against the Pistons, though his minutes might increase slightly. 

The 29-year-old forward averages 5.8 points and 3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes over 26 games this season.

Will White, Williams, and Jones Jr. play against the Pistons?

Coby White (left leg) left Wednesday’s game early and is questionable for tonight. If he can’t play, Ayo Dosunmu and Goran Dragic will get more minutes, especially if Caruso is also out.

Patrick Williams (left clavicle contusion) has been inconsistent this season, but he hasn’t missed a game yet. Williams’ status for Friday is up in the air. If he’s out, Green would likely replace him in the starting lineup.

Derrick Jones Jr. could miss his fifth straight game due to a left ankle sprain. With Jones and Green possibly out, Andre Drummond could see another bump in playing time, after he put up seven points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 16 minutes against the Bucks on Wednesday.