Here's the latest Chicago Bulls news on Thanksgiving Eve, including Lonzo Ball's much-anticipated return, Matas Buzelis' steady improvement and how Chicago can advance to the knockout stage of the Emirates NBA Cup.
Lonzo Ball set to return from injury against Orlando Magic
It took more than 1,000 days and two and a half seasons for Lonzo Ball to make his long-awaited return to an NBA floor after several surgeries, including cartilage and meniscus transplants, to repair his left knee.
No professional athlete in any sport had ever come back from those procedures.
Unfortunately, the 26-year-old only played three regular season games before injuring his right wrist during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 28. He hasn't played since.
Ball is set to return tonight against the Orlando Magic, however, giving sports fans a story to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Matas Buzelis learning to do 'the little things'
Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis has been pressed into more action as starting forward Patrick Williams deals with a foot injury.
With Chicago also missing rotation stalwart Julian Phillips for a game against Memphis on Nov. 23, Buzelis had the best game of his young career.
The 20-year-old played a career-high 29 minutes and scored a career-high 14 points, 12 of which came in the second quarter. He was 6-of-13 from the field, 2-of-5 from three and was a team-high +10.
That may have something to do with Buzelis' unusual attention to detail for a rookie.
“The biggest thing that I respect about him is that I think he understands the importance of the little things," Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan said, per Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. "And I think that’s an area of focus that he’s been trying to really focus on.”
Teammate Coby White praised Buzelis for taking what could have been the morning off - the morning of the second game of a back-to-back - to get to the practice facility early and watch film.
The Illinois native has all the physical tools needed to succeed in the NBA. If he starts developing the mental tools as well, Chicago could have a potential all-star, at least, on its hands.
How the Bulls can advance in the Emirates NBA Cup
Despite massive defensive shortcomings and a so-so record, Chicago still has a chance to advance to the knockout stage of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup.
A 127-108 win over the Washington Wizards on Nov. 26 was the Bulls' second consecutive Cup win, putting them at 2-1 and - for now - atop their group.
To advance, though, Chicago will have to upset the Boston Celtics on Nov. 29. It's a lose-and-you're-out scenario for the Bulls.
If they can find a way to beat the league's best team, however, the possibilities open up.
- If the Atlanta Hawks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers that same night, the Bulls would win their group.
- If Chicago and Cleveland win but the Cavaliers get upset by the Wizards on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Bulls would win their group.
- If the Cavs beat Washington and Chicago beats Boston, Cleveland would win the group, in which case the Bulls would need some help to win the Eastern Conference Wild Card spot.
So you're telling me there's a chance.