Is Lonzo Ball playing tonight against Milwaukee Bucks? Latest injury update on Bulls guard amid (Dec. 28)

With 2024 nearing its end, the games are coming thick and fast in the NBA, and this Saturday is no different, with the Chicago Bulls hosting the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center. Bulls star Lonzo Ball is favailable to play after being listed as questionable earlier as he continues to recover from illness.

Ball missed the team’s last two games. He was initially listed as doubtful for the Atlanta Hawks’ matchup but was later ruled out. Ball last played against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 22, scoring two points in 15 minutes of playing time.

Lonzo Ball has been on a minute restriction this season. While he has made significant strides in overcoming a career-threatening knee injury, the situation remains fluid in terms of availability.

As obvious as it seems, when on the court, he has been a solid contributor to the team this season, averaging 5.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

Lonzo Ball gets honest about his role in Bulls’ lineup post-injury

Lonzo Ball has emphasized that he feels comfortable playing 20 minutes on the court, noting that his conditioning has improved a bit. He also mentioned he has no problem coming off the bench to support the team.

“It’s a blessing first and foremost just being able to play…But honestly, man, it’s a week-by-week process,” Ball said on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast (55:20 mark).

“We started at what, 14? Now we up to 20. So, I feel like the impact I can make on the game, there’s a lot I can do in 20 minutes. So honestly, right now, I feel comfortable at 20, so we’ll probably be there for a minute. Obviously, I want to get it lifted off, but also want to play as many games as I can.”

He also shed light on the internal discussions he had with the team medical advisor, saying:

“We don’t want to play one night 35 minutes, and then I’m out for the next two weeks if I could just keep playing 20 and keep being productive on the court and doing my thing with the minutes I have and I got no problem coming off the bench man and just trying to help the team out.”

The Bulls’ medical team’s approach to managing Lonzo Ball’s time and injury throughout the season will be crucial in determining their season. His return has, in a way, revitalized the team’s performance, but maintaining that for the long term will be the goal for both.