Is Lonzo Ball playing tonight against Pelicans? Exploring star point guard's status for Bulls' season opener | (Oct. 23)

Lonzo Ball will play in the Chicago Bulls' 2024-25 season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. With no injuries on the Bulls' roster, Lonzo will make his highly anticipated return to the NBA regular season after a two-and-a-half year absence. The former Pelicans star will come off the bench, aiming to make an impact with his versatile skillset.

The young point guard defied all odds with a remarkable return to professional basketball in the recently concluded preseason, following a 1,007-day absence due to a severe knee injury. Lonzo Ball sustained a career-threatening injury that required a meniscus transplant from a donor to repair his left knee.

The former Lakers star played his first game since Jan. 14, 2022, when the Bulls faced the Minnesota Timberwolves during the preseason.

Lonzo Ball relishing every opportunity after career-threatening injury

Lonzo Ball's journey back to the NBA has been long and challenging, but the Bulls point guard is grateful to be playing the game he loves once again. After his preseason return, Ball expressed his emotions about finally being able to compete at the highest level once more.

"Felt a lot better playing than watching. I’ll say that much," Ball said. "I can’t even really put into words how I felt out there. I was just blessed (and) happy to be out there, man. All the support around me was great all night. Man, it was definitely a moment I’ll never forget."

The former UCLA standout appeared in two preseason games, averaging 10.5 points on an impressive 53.3% shooting from the field, including 45.5% from beyond the arc. He also contributed 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and played an average of 15.4 minutes per game.

How to watch Lonzo Ball in action during Bulls vs. Pelicans game?

The Chicago Bulls vs. New Orleans Pelicans game is slated to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will tip-off at 8 p.m. EDT (5 p.m. PT).

The Bulls vs. Pelicans game will be broadcast live on GCSEN (local), WVUE (local) and Chicago Sports Network (local). Fans will also have the option to live stream the game on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).