It's been over a week since we last saw Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams on the court. Williams has missed five consecutive games because of inflammation in his surgically repaired left foot. Originally, it was expected for the 23-year-old to sit out as a precaution, but it only became more serious as he continued to miss time.
Williams' original timeline was a few days before Head Coach Billy Donovan would reiterate that it'd be a "week or so." Donovan's estimated timetable has been more realistic as we last saw the 6-foot-8 forward in action on November 18.
Potentially without their best wing defender for a sixth straight game, the Bulls will rely on Ayo Dosunmu and Co to defend Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Aside from the All-Star forward duo, Chicago's league-worst defense will be tasked with slowing down Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, who enters tonight's affair without an injury designation for the first time all season.
Will Patrick Williams play tonight for the Bulls against the Celtics?
As expected, Willams has already been ruled out for the Bulls' contest against the Celtics. His status remains up in the air going forward, but we'll likely learn more about the 23-year-old's recovery as the days go on.
Dosunmu will likely start in Williams' place. However, Donovan could turn to Torrey Craig, who started against the Milwaukee Bucks, to defend Giannis Antetokounmpo in Williams' first game missed. Since battling the Bucks, the Bulls have trotted out Dosunmu despite Craig's impressive performance.
Ayo is averaging 15.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in seven starts this season. Sans Williams, the Bulls are 2-3, suffering losses to Milwaukee, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Orlando Magic. Since Williams went down, Chicago has allowed 125.4 points per game, nearly two points more than its season average.
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics injury report
Chicago Bulls:
Out: Patrick Williams (Left Foot Soreness)
Questionable: Jalen Smith (Left Ankle Sprain), Dalen Terry (Right Ankle Sprain), Coby White (Left Wrist Sprain)
Probable: Lonzo Ball (Right Wrist Sprain)
Boston Celtics:
Probable: Luke Kornet (Right Hamstring Strain)