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 highway win over the Detroit Pistons, whereas the remainder of the workforce traveled to Milwaukee for the sport on Wednesday in opposition to the Bucks. Williams underwent testing in Chicago on Wednesday, though the workforce harassed the assessments 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 workforce will proceed to train warning on Williams after he underwent surgical procedure in March to deal with bone edema – recognized 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 throughout 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 12 months.
The Bulls will face the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo – who’s averaging 32 factors in November – with out their fundamental large defender. Backup ahead Torrey Craig will doubtless tackle that project although he is solely performed 17 minutes in three video games this season.
