MILWAUKEE — Patrick Williams is sidelined once more attributable to soreness in the identical foot that ended his 2023-24 season — however the Chicago Bulls aren’t panicking simply but.
After experiencing soreness in his left foot, the fifth-year ahead returned to Chicago following Monday’s recreation. street victory towards the Detroit Pistons whereas the remainder of the crew traveled to Milwaukee for Wednesday’s recreation towards the Bucks. Williams underwent testing in Chicago on Wednesday, though the crew burdened the checks had been precautionary.
The Bulls listed Williams on the harm report Monday, however he performed and completed with eight factors and 5 rebounds in 31 minutes within the 122-112 victory. On the time, Williams and coach Billy Donovan downplayed the ache.
The crew will proceed to train warning with Williams after he was operated on in March deal with a bone edema — who was identified in January — in the identical foot. Earlier than the harm, Williams averaged 10 factors, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 43 video games.
Williams didn’t play any five-on-five basketball over the summer season and was severely restricted all through coaching camp, which restricted his availability through the preseason. Wednesday marks the third of 5 video games in seven days for the Bulls. Donovan beforehand stated the Bulls had been managing the load of some gamers, together with level guard Josh Giddey, as they navigated a brutal stretch of the schedule.
Earlier than the foot ache resurfaced, Williams was displaying indicators of progress offensively, averaging 11.2 factors and 4.6 rebounds in November. He scored a game-high 18 factors in a win over the New York Knicks, reflecting the promise the Bulls have been attempting to unlock from Williams since his rookie yr.
The Bulls will face the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo – who’s averaging 32 factors in November – with out their essential huge defender. Backup ahead Torrey Craig will seemingly tackle that project although he is solely performed 17 minutes in three video games this season.
