(670 The Score) Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has exited the NBA’s health and safety protocols and is nearing a return to game action.
Ball and reserve forward Alfonzo McKinnie both cleared protocols Saturday after entering them last Sunday. Ball and McKinnie aren’t available to play when Chicago visits the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening, as they haven’t been on the team’s short road trip. They were listed as out with a return-to-competition reconditioning designation.
Ball and McKinnie seem to be on track to play when the Bulls host the Magic on Monday, though acting head coach Chris Fleming stopped short of confirming they’ll be available.
“We’re pretty hopeful that those guys will be back at the beginning of the week,” Fleming said. “What that means in terms of games, I don’t know yet.”
Ball had started the Bulls’ first 29 games of the season before landing in protocols. He’s averaging 13.2 points and 5.0 assists while serving as a key figure in the team’s strong defense.
Bulls reserve center Tony Bradley remained in the health and safety protocols as of Saturday evening. Bulls coach Billy Donovan has also been in the protocols since Dec. 24. He’s feeling good, and Fleming has indicated Donovan could return Monday.
Cody Westerlund is a sports editor for 670TheScore.com and covers the Bulls. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.