Lonzo Ball injury update: Will Bulls guard return vs. 76ers? (Dec. 8)

The Chicago Bulls have been cautious with Lonzo Ball, who returned this season after missing more than two years due to a knee injury. Ball has played only seven games this season, so is the Bulls' guard playing against the Philadelphia 76ers?

Chicago is scheduled to host the Sixers on Sunday afternoon at the United Center. The Bulls are coming off a 132-123 loss to the Indiana Pacers, a game in which Ball played 19 minutes. He finished with nine points, two rebounds, and four assists on 3-for-5 shooting.

According to the Bulls' latest injury report, Ball is listed as probable due to left knee injury management. It’s a precautionary measure given his injury history. He’ll likely be cleared before tip-off but will continue to be on a minutes restriction. He’s also expected to miss one game of back-to-back sets.

Other players on the Chicago Bulls injury report are Nikola Vucevic, Coby White and Patrick Williams. Vucevic and White are also listed as probable and will likely suit up against the Sixers. Williams, who has not played since Nov. 18, is dealing with a foot injury.

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What happened to Lonzo Ball?

Lonzo Ball initially dealt with a torn meniscus in his left knee midway through the 2021-22 NBA season. Ball underwent surgery, but complications and pain prevented him from returning.

After three additional surgeries, including a revolutionary cartilage transplant surgery, Ball was finally cleared to return last summer. He made his season debut for the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 23, his first game in over 1,000 days.

However, Ball suffered a wrist sprain on Oct. 28 in just his third game of the season. He missed 15 games due to the injury, returning to the lineup on Nov. 27. Ball is expected to sit out during back-to-backs as a precaution for his surgically repaired left knee.

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Lonzo Ball wonders if Big Baller Brand contributed to his knee problems

Lonzo Ball wonders if Big Baller Brand contributed to his knee problems. (Photo: IMAGN)

LaVar Ball capitalized on his children’s popularity to launch Big Baller Brand, which remains active today. However, in an interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Lonzo Ball questioned whether wearing BBB shoes contributed to his knee problems that have kept him off the court for more than two years.

"I think it's a possibility for sure, to be honest with you," Ball said. "I wasn't really getting hurt like that until I started wearing them."

At 27, Lonzo has not yet reached his peak, and it's easy to question whether he will ever reach his potential after more than 400 days on the shelf. He’s providing great defense for the Bulls in limited playing time.