If the Chicago Bulls are to maintain their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings, they’ll have to do it without starting point guard Lonzo Ball.
The former No. 2 overall pick of the Los Angeles Lakers has missed Chicago’s last three games — two of which have been losses — as has fellow guard Zach LaVine, who is dealing with a knee injury as well. Third-year pro Javonte Green has been out most of the month due to a groin ailment, starting power forward Patrick Williams is done for the season with a dislocated wrist and forward Derrick Jones Jr. is also on the shelf with a knee injury.
Ball is currently posting career-highs in steals per game (1.8), minutes per game (34.6), shooting percentage (42.3%) and three-point percentage (42.3%). He’s first on the team in assists (5.1) and second in rebounds (5.4).
The 24-year-old UCLA product is in his fifth NBA season and first with the Bulls. Ball was acquired by Chicago in August 2021 in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.