Injury report: Lonzo Ball, Javonte Green, Derrick Jones Jr., Alex Caruso, Goran Dragic vs. New York Knicks

The Chicago Bulls could be without four key role players against the New York Knicks.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls (13-18) visit the New York Knicks (18-14) tonight, looking to win their third straight game.

Lonzo Ball is still out for the Bulls with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) and Derrick Jones Jr. (left ankle sprain) are also out against the Knicks. Alex Caruso (concussion) is doubtful and Goran Dragic (left ankle soreness) is probable.

Chicago Bulls starting lineup:

C: Nikola Vucevic

PF: Patrick Williams

SF: DeMar DeRozan

SG: Zach LaVine

PG: Ayo Dosunmu

Green and Jones will not play against the Knicks

Green hasn’t played since the 114-91 home loss against the Knicks on December 16th when he had seven points, three rebounds, and one assist in 18 minutes off the bench. He is out against the Knicks due to right knee soreness.

The injury forced Green to miss three consecutive games earlier this month. The 29-year-old forward averages 5.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 16.2 minutes over 25 games this season.

Jones will miss his second straight game due to a left ankle sprain. With Green and Jones out, Andre Drummond could see increased minutes. However, he played only 15 minutes against the Hawks last Wednesday, as there could be some rust expected from the big man due to inconsistent playing time lately.

Will Caruso and Dragic play against the Knicks?

Caruso has entered the league’s concussion protocol after taking a hard hit to the head/neck area on Wednesday. He is doubtful against the Knicks.

“They told me that they thought it was possibly a concussion. That’s all I know,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said after Wednesday’s game.

“Obviously that stuff is serious, so they’re going to caution on the side of making sure he’s OK. He feels OK. I just checked on him briefly, he said he’s doing OK. I don’t know if he does or does not have a concussion. But that’s what they’re looking into.”

Dragic missed the game against the Hawks with left ankle soreness. He is probable against the Knicks. The veteran guard provides quality minutes off the bench, and the Bulls could really use him on Friday. If Dragic plays, he could see added minutes on the backcourt. If he doesn’t play, Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White will receive extended minutes.