Ayo Dosunmu Sidelined Again, But Bulls Hope It's Short-Term
The Chicago Bulls were hoping to have Ayo Dosunmu back on the floor for their matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the third-year guard was ruled out once again - this time due to a nagging thumb injury that’s affecting both hands.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan on Ayo Dosunmu’s thumb injury:
— Zachary Draves (@DravesZachary) December 17, 2025
“I don’t feel this is a situation where he’ll be out long term” pic.twitter.com/w5qhJzT8YS
Head coach Billy Donovan addressed the situation before tipoff, confirming Dosunmu’s absence but downplaying the severity of the issue.
“I don’t feel this is a situation where he’ll be out long term,” Donovan said.
That’s welcome news for a Bulls team that’s already feeling the weight of a tough stretch. Dosunmu has now missed two straight games while dealing with injuries to both thumbs. He’s been playing through discomfort for a while, taping up both hands, but a bone bruise on his right thumb and more severe pain in his left have forced the team to hit pause.
When healthy, Dosunmu has been one of the bright spots in a rocky season. He’s averaging 15.2 points, 3.2 assists, and logging just under 28 minutes per game - a steady contributor whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. He’s played in 20 games so far this season, and his versatility has been key in a rotation that’s constantly adjusting due to injuries.
The Bulls, meanwhile, are trying to regain their footing. They entered the game against Cleveland sitting at 10-15, fresh off a 114-104 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
That defeat marked their eighth in the last 10 games - a steep slide from their 6-1 start to the season. Injuries have been a big part of that story, and Dosunmu’s absence is just the latest chapter.
This isn’t new territory for the 23-year-old guard. Dosunmu’s had to navigate a tough run of injuries over the past year.
Last season was cut short by a shoulder injury that required surgery and sidelined him for 4-6 months. He still managed to average 12.3 points across 46 games, showing flashes of the two-way talent that made him such a valuable piece in Chicago’s backcourt.
Even before this recent thumb issue, Dosunmu had been dealing with lower-body setbacks. In April 2024, he missed the final stretch of the regular season with bruises to his quad and thigh. Then came the calf strains - first late last year, and again early this season - that have limited his availability and rhythm.
Given the wear and tear he’s accumulated, the Bulls are being cautious. With a long season still ahead and the team trying to stabilize, preserving Dosunmu’s health is a clear priority.
The hope now is that this latest setback is just a short-term hurdle - not a sign of more lingering issues. Because when he’s on the floor, Dosunmu gives the Bulls energy, scoring punch, and defensive grit. And right now, they could use all three.