Injury report: Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Javonte Green vs. Atlanta Hawks

The Chicago Bulls will be without two key role players against the Atlanta Hawks.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (11-14) visit the Atlanta Hawks (13-13) tonight, looking to win their third straight game.

Lonzo Ball is still out for the Bulls with a left knee injury. Alex Caruso (tailbone contusion) and Javonte Green (right knee soreness) will also miss this contest.

Chicago Bulls starting lineup:

C: Nikola Vucevic

PF: Patrick Williams

SF: DeMar DeRozan

SG: Zach LaVine

PG: Ayo Dosunmu

Caruso will miss his first game of the season

Caruso started the last four games and has temporarily replaced Ayo Dosunmu as the Bulls’ starting point guard.

The 28-year-old guard hasn’t missed a game this season, but he played just six minutes in the first quarter of the 144-115 win against the Mavericks because of a tailbone contusion. After the game, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan ruled Caruso out against the Hawks. He is in Chicago, receiving additional medical treatment.

“How long (Caruso will be out), I don’t know at this point in time,” Donovan said. “But he’s not traveling tonight.”

With Caruso out, Ayo Dosunmu and Goran Dragic will see more playing time against the Hawks. Dosunmu and Dragic combined for 31 points against the Mavericks.

Green will miss his fourth straight game

Green, who was moved into the starting lineup for the first time this season in the game against the Warriors on December 2, has missed the last three games with right knee soreness and will not play against the Hawks either.

The 29-year-old has been a defensive disruptor for the Bulls and a consistent source of energy in a role the team gives him. Green is averaging 6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1 steal in 16.4 minutes over 22 games, shooting 58.6 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc.

Green’s return to practice on Friday is a good sign that he’ll be able to play again soon. Patrick Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. will see an increased role with Green out. Williams and Jones Jr. scored 16 points apiece against the Mavericks.