Bulls’ Patrick Williams now ‘probable’ to play Friday vs. Hornets

Williams missed his first game of the season on Monday with a hip contusion, but now appears set to return on Friday.

Chicago Bulls rookie Patrick Williams is now probable to play on Friday night versus the Charlotte Hornets after previously suffering a right hip contusion.

Williams initially suffered the injury on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks. Williams felt fine the next day, according to Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, but experienced some tightness and stiffness, and did not suit up versus the Houston Rockets on Monday.

Donovan said on Wednesday that Williams’ status for the contest was still to be determined, but with the latest update on Friday, it appears as though the fourth overall pick will be ready to go to face the Hornets.

Williams has emerged as a key player and perhaps the best defender on the Bulls’ roster this season. He is averaging 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 26.9 minutes per game on 50% shooting (14-of-28) from 3-point range.

He ranks seventh in scoring among rookies and eighth in rebounding.

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