It doesn't look like that Lonzo Ball will be able to return soon for the Chicago Bulls as he recovers from his knee injury that needed surgery.

Ball has been out since mid-January because of a left knee bone bruise and torn meniscus. He underwent surgery in the same month and has been expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. However, eight weeks into his injury and surgery and there is still no concrete timetable for his return.

Making matters even more concerning for the Bulls, head coach Billy Donovan admitted on Friday that Ball is not doing anything full speed. The Chicago tactician shared that the veteran point guard is experiencing discomfort in his knee any time he gets close to getting to full speed, which is why they even considered letting him rest.

Donovan didn't want to call it a setback, but he did pointed out that Ball “hasn't responded” well, per Rob Schaefer of NBCS.

This is certainly not a good news for a Bulls team that was on top of the East not too long ago. While they remain in playoff contention, they need Lonzo Ball in the postseason if they want to contend among the other top dogs in the conference.

Not only is Ball a great playmaker, but his defense is pivotal for the Bulls. He is a big reason why Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have been really successful this 2021-22 campaign.

It remains to be seen if Lonzo Ball will be able to make a significant step in his recovery. After Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, they only have 12 games left on the season. Sure enough, they would want to have their point guard back at some point in that stretch since it will be difficult to get him going come playoffs when every game matters.

The Bulls are fifth in the East with a 41-28 record before Friday's contest. They have a two-game cushion against the sixth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers and trail the Boston Celtics by just half a game for the fourth seed. Hopefully, Chicago can keep the momentum going in their favor as they wait to get back into full health.