Is Lonzo Ball playing tonight against Cleveland Cavaliers? Exploring Bulls guard’s status for preseason game (Oct. 18)

Lonzo Ball is expected to suit up in the Chicago Bulls’ final preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. He isn’t listed on Chicago’s injury report and should play barring any last-minute injury.

Ball made his return to playing organized basketball on Wednesday after a gap of two-and-a-half years. In the Bulls’ 125-123 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ball came off the bench to score 10 points in 15 minutes. He was under a 16-minute restriction, which is expected to stay on Friday as well.

Chicago is easing Lonzo Ball into game action after he missed the past two seasons with knee issues. The target for his return was to play him in the final two preseason games for the Bulls, which will likely be accomplished tonight. Chicago starts its regular season against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

Lonzo Ball felt “blessed” to be back playing for Chicago Bulls

It was always going to be an emotional return for Lonzo Ball that was made extra special when he was handed the game ball by Coby White. Zach LaVine also presented Ball with a jersey signed by the entire squad. Ball spoke about his return after the game, via CBS News:

“It felt a lot better playing than watching, I'll say that much. I can't even really put into words how I felt out there. …

“Just blessed, man. There were a lot of people that helped me get here, not just myself. Just to see the crowd and all the love I get from the city, man, you cannot replicate that in any type of way. And it's real.”

Chicago coach Billy Donovan credited Ball for staying resilient despite several setbacks:

“I just give him a lot of credit. It was probably a lot, coming back being out for 2 1/2 years. You're playing your first game. I know it's not the regular season yet, but still, for him to get out in an NBA game — I know he's put a lot of work in to get himself ready for this moment.”

While Lonzo Ball must be pleased to be playing basketball again, he should know that there’s a long way to go. It will be some time before he reaches the peak that he displayed with his two-way play before going down with the injury against the Golden State Warriors in January 2022.

Where and how to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls?

The Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. EDT on Friday at United Center. The game will air locally on Chicago Sports Network and Bally Sports Ohio. It can also be streamed live on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.