‘Conservative’ 76ers: No 5-on-5s yet for Embiid

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball’s long road back to the court is nearly complete. Ball has been practicing with the Bulls throughout training camp. Now, the veteran point guard plans to play in two of Chicago’s final three preseason games over the next week.

Ball has not appeared in an NBA game since January 14, 2022. He’s had multiple surgeries since that point and has missed the entirety of the last two seasons.

Ball said his knee is “feeling good” and that he “feels better than he has in a long time”. The Bulls have been pleased with the way he’s played and how Ball’s knee had held up during training camp.

Deandre Ayton has been ruled out by the Phoenix Suns for Game 6 with a rib contusion.

The Suns have increased the minutes to Jock Landale in recent games. The Suns could also go small with Kevin Durant at center to give the team more shooting.

The New York Knicks have agreed to acquire Josh Hart from the Portland Trail Blazers for Cam Reddish, Svi Mykhailiuk, Ryan Arcidiacono and a protected first round pick.

The pick is lottery protected by the Knicks in 2023 and converts to four future second round picks if not conveyed this year.

Hart has a $12.96 million player option next season that becomes non-guaranteed if he exercises.

Hart played collegiately at Villanova with Jalen Brunson.