NBA Notes: Lakers, Luka Doncic, Bulls, Caleb Wilson, Heat

Lakers

The Lakers found a way to win without Luka Doncic on Wednesday. They’ll gladly try the next one with him.

Doncic has been cleared to return Friday against the Warriors after missing the Clippers game with back tightness, according to Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI⁠.

Ziaire Williams is questionable after sitting out with left foot soreness. Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr remain sidelined.

Los Angeles enters at 4-1 after holding the Clippers to 87 points. Getting Doncic back should help the offense, obviously. Carrying over some of that defensive effort would make his return even more useful.

Bulls

Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis gave the Bulls something to work with Wednesday, even if Jalen Brunson made sure they didn’t leave with a win.

Wilson finished with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists against the Knicks. Buzelis added 17 points, five rebounds and three assists.

“They were aggressive. Tried to make plays, took care of the ball,” coach Tiago Splitter said, via Elias Schuster of Bulls On SI⁠. “I can go to sleep with a fight like this.”

The two combined to shoot 12-of-31, so nobody needs to declare the offense fixed. But Wilson’s passing and their shared ability to run the floor offered a glimpse of what Chicago wants to build.

“Matas is my guy, on the court and off the court. I love playing with him,” Wilson said. “And I want to make a bunch more lobs both ways.”

Heat

The Heat finally won a game. Turns out, getting Bam Adebayo involved near the basket helped.

As Brady Hawk of Heat On SI explains⁠, Miami used more screens, pick-and-rolls and handoffs in Wednesday’s win at Atlanta after an 0-4 start.

That gave Adebayo opportunities as a roller instead of leaving him stationed outside. Giannis Antetokounmpo worked near the baseline, collecting offensive rebounds, and also rolled to the basket when Adebayo rested.

Basically, both big men got more chances to do what they do best. Pelle Larsson helped connect it with eight assists.