Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has been sidelined since Oct. 28 due to a right wrist sprain. While he was hopeful of returning on Sunday against Houston, head coach Billy Donovan was less optimistic about that target date.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, including K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network, Donovan said Ball had a strenuous workout earlier this week when the team was in New York, calling it a “struggle.” Ball will be sidelined at least one more week because he’s having a tough time catching passes without pain, per Donovan.
According to Johnson, when Ball was initially evaluated by doctors, he was told his return timeline could range anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on how his wrist was healing. Chicago has not yet tested Ball’s injured wrist with contact drills defensively, Johnson notes.
Ball went through a pregame workout on Friday, per Johnson. The former No. 2 overall pick was dribbling with both hands, but he when was practicing drives, he was shooting left-handed layups and floaters.
With Ball out at least a few more games, Donovan will likely continue to lean heavily on Ayo Dosunmu as the primary guard off the bench, with Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips soaking up minutes on the wing.
