Bulls News: Lonzo and PWill injury updates, the NBA Cup, and a new starter?

This past week has been filled with highs and lows for the Chicago Bulls. After an ugly loss to the Houston Rockets on November 17, the Bulls knocked off the Detroit Pistons a day later behind a marquee performance from Zach LaVine.

Chicago would continue the loss-win streak as the Bulls succumbed to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks before winning their first in-season tournament game against the Atlanta Hawks (but more on that later). The Bulls ended the week losing to the Memphis Grizzlies 142-131, allowing 140 or more points for the third time in eight days.

Although Chicago has experienced an unpredictable season, the Bulls' on-court product is anything but. Chicago is fantastic offensively, ranking in the top 10 in points, three-pointers, three-point percentage, assists, and pace. Conversely, the Bulls' defense is atrocious, ranking last in opponent's points and field goal percentage, and second-to-last in defensive rating.

Despite the Bulls' ongoing defensive troubles, they may be ending soon as several players' return from injury could help rectify the shoddy unit. After Lonzo Ball went down on October 28, Patrick Williams re-aggravated an injury on November 18. Two of Chicago's best defenders suffered injuries within a span of three weeks. However, both players could see a return to action sooner rather than later.

Lonzo making progress in return from injury

Ball's return to action was short-lived. Following a three-year hiatus, the 27-year-old guard suffered a wrist sprain in his third appearance of the season—an unfortunate start to an improbable comeback. Fortunately, Ball's wrist sprain was of low severity. Ball was to be re-evaluated after 10 days, but lingering discomfort has shelved the 6-foot-6 floor general for an extended period of time.

Then, over the weekend, Head Coach Billy Donovan provided an encouraging remark about the injured Ball. Donovan stated that Saturday was Lonzo's "best day" of individual work. This comes days after Donovan told reporters that Ball would be out "at least another week," after his rehabilitation had yet to increase beyond shooting drills.

From bleak to encouraging, it now appears Lonzo will return before his originally targeted date of December 16. It's not guaranteed, but if the Chicago guard is shooting the ball well, without discomfort, that's a terrific sign in recovery from an injured right wrist.

Williams injury nothing to be concerned about

The second of the two injured Bulls, starting forward Patrick Williams has been absent since Chicago traveled to Milwaukee to battle the Bucks. In place of Williams, the Bulls trotted out Torrey Craig, likely to defend Antetokounmpo. However, Craig played just eight combined minutes over the next two games. Donovan instead went with Ayo Dosunmu as Chicago's fifth starter.

Dosunmu played well in Chicago's previous two games, but his inclusion in the starting five isn't likely to last much longer. Williams, originally ruled out due to discomfort in his surgically repaired foot, was expected to miss a "week or so," according to Donovan. It's not the most optimistic outlook, especially considering Williams' foot issues a season ago.

Just days later, Williams told the media that his current pain level "is not even close" to what he experienced a season ago. Undoubtedly a sign of relief for Bulls fans and the organization as a whole. Now, the plan is to allow for the inflammation to subside before Williams takes the court. The 23-year-old will be on the bench for the Bulls' two-game road trip this week and we could see him as early as the beginning of December.

Chicago's first NBA Cup victory

After going winless in the in-season tournament a year ago, the Bulls won their first NBA Cup game against the Hawks on November 22. Chicago won 136-122 behind a well-rounded team performance. Seven players scored in double-digits, led by LaVine's 26.

Now 1-1 with a minus-4 point differential, the Bulls are currently fourth in the Group C standings. Chicago will play two more NBA Cup games, one against the Washington Wizards and, finally, versus the Boston Celtics. Although it's a long shot, there's still a slight possibility the Bulls will advance to the knockout stage of the NBA Cup. Chicago likely needs to win its next two games and for the Cavaliers to drop at least one game against Atlanta or Washington.

Matas Buzelis' increase in playing time

After playing two minutes against Detriot and six versus Milwaukee, Matas Buzelis saw his role increase in the Bulls' last two contests. The 11th overall pick suited up for 20 minutes and scored nine points against the Hawks. Buzelis also recorded a plus/minus of plus-7—the fourth-best mark on the team.

A day later, the Chicago native dropped 14 points in a loss against the Grizzlies. Buzelis finished with three boards, an assist, and a block in a season-high 29 minutes of action. Perhaps his most impressive stat, Buzelis led all Bulls with a plus/minus of plus-10.

As previously mentioned, Craig and Dosunmu filled in for the injured Williams. But might Buzelis be next? He's far more intriguing of a player than the 33-year-old Craig and fits Chicago's starting lineup needs better than the 6-foot-5 Dosunmu. It's worth monitoring whether Donovan decides to start Buzelis or use the 20-year-old wing in Chicago's closing lineup.