Norman Powell’s return to the Bulls could be right around the corner.
Before Chicago’s matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, Powell was listed as questionable because of lower back spasms, but he ended up being ruled out. Even so, head coach Tiago Splitter said he has a target in mind for when Powell should be back in the lineup.
Per Gavin Dorsey of the Roundtable Network, Splitter said Powell is at 70% and expects him to return Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks.
Powell has played in eight games so far and is averaging 19.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. His last appearance came on November 4 against the New York Knicks, when he scored 12 points in 22 minutes during a 135-105 loss.
Chicago could use the boost. The Bulls are 1-8 and riding a seven-game losing streak.
Powell arrived in July on a two-year, $45 million deal, and the hope was obvious: bring in a reliable scorer who can stretch the floor. He’s built his reputation on steady shooting, especially from deep. Last season with the Miami Heat, Powell averaged 21.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, shot 47% from the field and 38% from 3-point range, and made the All-Star game.
He also brings a lot more than offense. Powell, 33, is in his 11th NBA season and has been through a title run before, winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He’s also spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2021 to 2022 and the Los Angeles Clippers from 2022 to 2025.
That kind of experience matters in a locker room that leans heavily young, including 19-year-old Noa Essengue.
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