Why is Lonzo Ball not playing tonight against Milwaukee Bucks? Latest on Chicago Bulls point guard's absence (Oct. 25)

Star point guard Lonzo Ball will sit out the Chicago Bulls' second game of the 2024-25 season against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, as part of left knee surgery recovery management. The Bulls are set to play on consecutive nights, hosting the OKC Thunder at home on Saturday.

Having recently returned to the court after a two-and-a-half-year absence due to a career-threatening knee injury, the Bulls are handling Ball’s playing time with caution. He’s expected to suit up for the Bulls’ game on Saturday.

Lonzo Ball came off the bench in Bulls' season opener

Lonzo Ball played in the Chicago Bulls' 123-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Coming off the bench, the former Pelicans guard logged 13:39 minutes, contributing five points on 2-of-4 shooting, including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc. The former UCLA standout also added two rebounds and four assists in the Bulls' first game of the season.

Before the season began, Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan expressed confidence in Lonzo Ball's potential to make a significant impact, particularly with the team's second unit.

"I think the guy (Lonzo Ball) can definitely help us. I don’t think there’s any question about that," Donovan said. "He’s one of the smartest guys on the court. With all these young guys, I’ve got him playing on the second unit with those guys.

"His ability to organize those guys and make those guys look good and let them play well is important. Can he sustain it or how well can he sustain it? I‘m not sure."

For someone coming back to top-level basketball after a lengthy hiatus, Lonzo performed exceptionally well in the preseason. The Bulls point guard appeared in two preseason games, averaging 10.5 points on an impressive 53.3% shooting from the field, including 45.5% from beyond the arc.

Where to watch Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks?

The Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks game is scheduled to take place on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).

The Bulls vs. Bucks will be broadcast live on CHSN and FDSWI, while fans will also have the option to live stream the game on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).