The Chicago Bulls will be without guard Ayo Dosunmu for at least the next 10 days after the fourth-year pro strained his right calf in Monday night’s 112-91 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Dosunmu, who turns 25 on Jan. 17, exited the game after sustaining the injury and did not return.
Ayo Dosunmu’s Injury Timeline
The Bulls provided an update on Dosunmu’s status Saturday, announcing that the guard will be re-evaluated in 10 days. While no firm timeline was given for his return, calf strains typically sideline players for at least 2-4 weeks depending on the severity.
Dosunmu has been a key contributor for Chicago this season, averaging 12.6 points and 4.8 assists through 30 games. The versatile guard has made 17 starts and provided valuable playmaking and perimeter defense for a Bulls team currently sitting at 16-21 on the season.
Impact on Bulls Backcourt
With Dosunmu out of the lineup, the Bulls will likely turn to guards Coby White and Goran Dragić to fill increased roles. White is averaging 8.1 points in 23.5 minutes per game this season, while Dragić has provided a veteran presence off the bench with 6.8 points and 2.7 assists in 15.3 minutes.
The loss of Dosunmu deals a blow to a Chicago squad already missing starting point guard Lonzo Ball, who has yet to play this season while recovering from a knee injury. With both Dosunmu and Ball sidelined, the Bulls’ backcourt depth will be tested in the weeks to come.
Dosunmu’s Promising Start
A Chicago native, Dosunmu was selected by the Bulls in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft out of the University of Illinois. He quickly carved out a role in the rotation as a rookie, appearing in 77 games and making 40 starts while averaging 8.8 points, 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds.
“Ayo is a big part of our team,” Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said earlier this season. “He’s tough, he competes, he’s got a great feel and IQ for the game. He’s really improved.”
– Billy Donovan on Ayo Dosunmu
Dosunmu had taken another step forward in his development this season before the injury. His scoring, assists and shooting percentages are all up from his rookie campaign as he’s taken on a larger playmaking role.
- 12.6 PPG in 2022-23 (up from 8.8)
- 4.8 APG in 2022-23 (up from 3.3)
- 52.3 FG% in 2022-23 (up from 52.0)
The young guard’s growth has been a bright spot for a scuffling Bulls squad that had high expectations coming into the season. With Dosunmu now joining Ball on the injured list, Chicago’s playoff hopes are facing another significant hurdle.
Road Ahead for Chicago
Sitting at 11th place in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls have work to do to get back into the playoff picture. Losing Dosunmu for an extended period only makes that task more difficult for a team that has struggled to find consistency.
Upcoming home games against the Cavaliers, Nets and 76ers – three teams ahead of them in the East standings – will be crucial for Chicago to keep pace in the conference. Finding production from its depleted backcourt will be essential to staying afloat.
If Dosunmu’s absence stretches beyond the initial 10-day re-evaluation window, the Bulls may be forced to seek reinforcements via trade or free agency. But first, they’ll see how their current group responds to the latest injury setback as they look to get back on track.
