Lonzo Ball injury update: Latest on Bulls' guard's return ahead of matchup vs Cavaliers (Nov. 15)   

Lonzo Ball has not had the greatest of comebacks for the Chicago Bulls. The guard returned to the fold after a lengthy injury hiatus only to be sidelined with a wrist injury for eight consecutive games. Ball has only played in three of the Bulls' 12 games. His latest injury update ahead of the Bulls' Emirates NBA Cup opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday comes off as optimistic, although his availability remains a question mark.

Earlier, it was reported that the mercurial guard has no timetable for his return but has been cleared for on-court activity. Speaking to the media on Monday, Chicago head coach Billy Donovan stated that Ball was still experiencing pain in his wrist but would start dribbling soon. He also confirmed that there were no issues with his knee. It was also reported that he was not wearing a wrist brace.

However, Bulls reporter KC Johnson's latest injury update on the star saw Donovan say that Lonzo Ball was targeting a Friday or Sunday return. His tweet also added that Ball hadn't done much other than dribbling.

The official NBA and ESPN's injury reports list him as out. But with the latest update, it remains to be seen if Ball indeed suits up for their Emirates NBA Cup opener. Ball averages 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in his three games so far.

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"Just trying to give good minutes": Lonzo Ball on his return from injuries

Lonzo Ball last played a game in 2022 before suiting up for the Chicago Bulls this season. He came off the bench and played for 14 minutes in the team's 123-111 season-opening loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball ended with five points, four two rebounds, and four assists.

Speaking to the media after, the guard revealed that he was just happy to be on the court after missing over 1,000 days of game time, while also adding that a win would have been a nice touch. Per Bleacher Report:

"Coach calls my name, I'm just trying to give good minutes. Probably would feel a little better if we won, but it's all good. Onto the next one."

Ball had a tumultuous couple of years undergoing multiple knee surgeries, that included a cartilage transplant. That he is on the court and playing ball is widely looked at as a miracle — a sentiment that the guard echoed.