Bulls’ Lonzo Ball Unlikely to Play in Crucial Play-In Game

CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Bulls will face a challenging matchup tonight against the Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, but they will likely do so without Lonzo Ball. The game, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. CDT at the United Center, is a must-win for both teams, with the loser eliminated from playoff contention.

Losing Ball, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, adds to the Bulls’ difficulties as they aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Coach Billy Donovan stated that Ball has not been cleared to participate and remains in a walking boot.

Ball, who has played in only 35 games this season, averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game before injuries curtailed his contributions. Throughout this season, multiple injuries have kept him off the court, creating a significant gap in the Bulls’ rotation.

“Unless there’s something that happens significantly between now and Wednesday, my feeling is he probably would not be available for Wednesday’s game,” Donovan said. He added that if the Bulls can advance, they hope to have Ball ready for later playoff games.

In addition to Ball, the Bulls may also be without point guard Josh Giddey, who has been dealing with tendinitis in his right forearm. Giddey has not performed to his usual standards, shooting just 30.4% from beyond the arc in his last six appearances. Donovan mentioned that Giddey might have played through the pain if postseason stakes were involved but is uncertain about his readiness for tonight’s game.

“It’s a problem,” Donovan noted regarding Giddey’s condition. “He’s trying to manage it as best he can.”

Meanwhile, another guard, Patrick Jones, has already been ruled out for the play-in tournament after suffering a mid-foot sprain in March. His status for the rest of the postseason remains uncertain, as Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Tonight’s game marks a crucial moment for the Bulls, who enter as the ninth seed against the tenth-seeded Heat. The winner will advance to play the loser of the matchup between the seventh-seeded Atlanta Hawks and the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic, paving the way for a potential bout against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

The atmosphere at the United Center is expected to be electric as both teams fight for their playoff lives, but the Bulls will need to compensate for the potential absences of key players like Ball and Giddey.