Following Monday night’s 26-point rout against the Brooklyn Nets, the Chicago Bulls earned two days of rest before traveling to San Antonio to take on the Spurs on Thursday night. In Chicago’s most recent victory, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic combined for 39 points and six triples.
While the Bulls’ leading scorers performed well, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis ultimately stole the show. Giddey recorded his first triple-double in a Bulls’ uniform, contributing 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists against the Nets. Despite not getting the start for the injured Coby White, Buzelis played 22 minutes and scored a season-high 17 points, converting 7-of-10 field goal attempts.
Julian Phillips started over Buzelis in White’s place, scoring five points and grabbing five boards. Although not eye-popping statistics, Phillips played well defensively, adding a steal and a block. Ayo Dosunmu continued to start for the injured Patrick Williams. Dosunmu chipped in 16 points and added six assists. The 24-year-old is averaging 14.9 points and 4.4 assists per game as a starter. Dosunmu has played quite well in place for Williams, but his time in the opening unit appears to be ending soon.
Head Coach Billy Donovan provided an update on Williams’ injury status Wednesday afternoon. Donovan told the media that Williams will miss Chicago’s game in San Antonio on Thursday and the matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. The Bulls’ coach further stated that his starting power forward is a long shot to make his December debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
Williams hasn’t appeared in a game since the Bulls 122-112 win over the Detroit Pistons on November 18. After originally staying in Chicago as a precaution while the rest of the squad traveled to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks, Williams’ injury proved to be more serious than anticipated. He’ll have missed 10 consecutive games if he doesn’t suit up on Sunday.
On a positive note, Williams’ return window opens up next week. According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, the 6-foot-8 forward has worked out individually but remains on the sideline during team workouts.
Besides Williams, the Bulls have been relatively healthy. Lonzo Ball did miss 15 straight games dating from October 30 to November 27, but he’s been back in the lineup since, playing 13 or more minutes in Chicago’s past three contests. Upon returning from injury, Ball has averaged 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 16.7 minutes per game.
Although he’s appeared in three straight games, he’ll be in street clothes for Thursday’s matchup against the Spurs. However, there’s no injury designation for Ball; he’ll be rested before playing in the Bulls’ second night of their back-to-back against the Pacers.
Another guard who’s missed time as of late, White, is also slated to miss Chicago’s game against San Antonio. This will be Coby’s second consecutive absence after spraining his left ankle in Chicago’s NBA Cup matchup against the Boston Celtics last Friday. Luckily for Chicago, White’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious. His sprained ankle is considered day-to-day. The 6-foot-5 guard will likely return to action Sunday night in a matchup against the 76ers.
