The Bull’s regular season is coming to a close rather quickly and they still aren’t at full strength. They’ve been down multiple players the majority of the regular season. With 17 games left the Bulls are closer than ever to being back at full strength. Two starters will likely be back in the coming weeks and a key bench player will be back this week.
Bulls Injury Updates: Projected Timetables To Return
Alex Caruso – Returns Saturday / Early Next Week
Patrick Williams – Possibly Late Next Week / Following Week
Lonzo Ball – Following Week / End of MarchCaruso – Fully cleared
Williams – Cleared minimal contact
Ball – No news— Chicago Bulls Talk (@BullsSource) March 9, 2022
These three have missed 30, 37, & 60 games respectively. The fact that the Bulls hold the 4th seed in the East despite these injuries is a feat in itself. With these three returning we have to look at how this will likely impact the Bulls as they get closer to the playoffs. Each player returning is going to play a key role for this team. But do the Bulls have enough time to get everyone in sync before the playoffs start?
This group will only have a handful of games together
It’s great that these guys are coming back ahead of the playoffs but it’s certainly going to be tough to get into a nice rhythm with only a handful of games together. The Bull’s beginning of season starting lineup only played in 5 games together. However, this team likely will be able to get right back into the swing of things and it starts with the starting point guard.
Bull’s starting point guard Lonzo Ball has only been present for 35 of the team’s games and will need to take over his original role quickly once he returns. There’s one major thing Ball brings to the table when in the starting lineup and it’s something the Bulls have desperately been missing.
This is EXACTLY what the Chicago Bulls have been missing… Their X-Factor Lonzo Ball brings a completely different dynamic every night with his defensive energy which often times lead to points on the other end pic.twitter.com/RcGNFfj5e9
— Ball Brothers World (@lonzopxge) March 5, 2022
Lonzo’s defense is something this team has struggled with. Backup guard Ayo Dosunmu has done quite well holding his own but outside of him the defense from the guard position hasn’t been pretty. Lonzo can easily return to the lineup and get back into the swing of things on the defensive end of the floor which will only help give the Bulls more opportunities on the offensive side of the ball. If Lonzo can get into his rhythm quickly this Bulls team will be tough once the playoffs start. This is only one player we are focusing on returning. Add in the other two and the Bulls are going to be tough against anyone.
Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams can elevate this team to another level
The Bulls have only seen starting power forward Patrick Williams play in 76 total games. After a promising first season with the Bulls, he was elevated to the starting lineup for the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately after 5 games, Williams was out for what we thought was the entire regular season. Here we are almost five months later and Williams is likely going to be returning in the coming weeks. That’s a huge boost for this team for many reasons. While Williams isn’t going to light it up on the offensive side of the ball he’s still a big body who can handle his own defensively and isn’t scared to defend the best player on the other team.
In just his sixth NBA game, Patrick Williams took on the challenge of guarding Giannis.
The results befitted the two-time MVP's stature. But Williams hopes to learn from it.
"I want to guard the best player every night. It’s just the person that I am."https://t.co/aIMdgTEd0A
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) January 2, 2021
Williams has made it known that he wants to guard the other team’s best player and the Bulls need someone to step up defensively so the offense can continue to flow. We know this Bulls team can shoot the ball well. Defense is what will keep the Bulls alive in the playoffs and that is what Williams will bring.
Now when it comes to the return of guard Alex Caruso we are again talking about someone who brings defensive firepower. He is an absolute stud on the defensive end of the floor and has shown that throughout his 37 games with the team this season. Let’s not forget Caruso is also averaging 8.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, & 1.9 SPG. He’s getting a lot done coming off the bench and is a productive piece the Bulls have been missing. The combination of Ball and Caruso had the Bull’s defense at another level before they both got hurt and their returns will be key for a long playoff run.
Bulls Defense With Alex Caruso/Lonzo Ball
– Opponents Scoring: 9th in the NBABulls Defense Without Alex Caruso/Lonzo Ball
– Opponents Scoring: 23rd in the NBA pic.twitter.com/fsoJhjpIyP— Ball Brothers World (@lonzopxge) March 5, 2022
Hopefully, these guys can get back and at least get a few games all together before heading into the playoffs. It would be especially helpful if they can win some more games and put themselves in a better position once the regular season comes to an end.
Can they make a late-season push to get a better seed?
The Bulls sit at the 4th seed in the East right now. However, they could easily be in the 6th position if they continue to lose games. The same is true when you look at the 2nd seed. They are 1.5 games either way from being the 2nd or 6th seed in the East. If this team wants to be in the best position possible for the playoffs they will need to string together some wins. With Williams, Caruso, & Ball returning they should be able to do just that. With how tight the East is there’s no reason why the Bulls can’t stay out of the play-in tournament and remain in a position to compete.
These guys coming back is huge for this Bulls squad and may make a legit playoff run possible. Hopefully, we can get a glimpse of what the regular season would have looked like without the injuries once they all return. Until then the Bulls need to keep their heads above water and stay above the 5th seed in the East.
