Why is Lonzo Ball not playing tonight against Orlando Magic? Latest on Bulls guard’s injury (Oct. 30)

Lonzo Ball won't play on Wednesday for the Chicago Bulls against the Orlando Magic. The point guard sprained his right wrist on Monday versus the Memphis Grizzlies and will be re-evaluated in 10 days.

The Bulls announced that Ball suffered the injury in the first quarter, but “Zo” finished the game. He tallied six points, six assists, one rebound and one block in 18 minutes in Chicago’s 126-123 road win against the Grizzlies.

The Chicago Bulls play five games, starting with the Magic matchup, before Ball’s scheduled re-evaluation.

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Lonzo Ball has just returned from a lengthy injury layoff

Before playing against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 23, Lonzo Ball hadn't played in the NBA for nearly three years. His last game was in January 2022 before the Chicago Bulls shut him down. He played 24 minutes and contributed 15 points, three assists and two rebounds in the Bulls’ 138-96 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

“Zo” was supposed to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to a nagging left knee issue. However, it took three surgeries, including a cartilage transplant, to get him back on his feet. Many thought that his basketball career was over.

Ball, though, persevered and was cleared for 5-on-5 scrimmages in August before surprising his teammates by attending the Bulls’ training camp. The Bulls allowed him to play in the preseason once he was given the go-ahead by the medical staff.

The No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA draft has played three of Chicago’s first four games this season.

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How has Lonzo Ball done on his return?

The Chicago Bulls are unsurprisingly easing Lonzo Ball back into the NBA. He's averaging 4.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game. Ball is shooting 35.7%, including 33.3% from deep. Considering the circumstances, he has been playing solidly.

Billy Donovan has given Ball the reins of the offense when Josh Giddey or Coby White gets a rest. The former Laker has shown flashes of his exceptional passing and vision when he has been on the floor.

Donovan has raved about his backup point guard’s leadership and grit. The Bulls coach will have to tinker with his roster again now that Ball is out for at least 10 days.