The Chicago Bulls will once again be without Patrick Williams tonight when they take on the Toronto Raptors. Williams was seen in a walking boot over the weekend and missed Sunday’s contest with the Blazers.

But Williams’ absence helped another Bulls youngster get some extended run over the weekend. Facing the challenge of missing two key forwards due to injuries, Billy Donovan turned to rookie Julian Phillips in the Bulls’ 104-96 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Donovan said before the game that he saw Sunday night as an opportunity for Phillips to showcase his development progress. By the time I rewatched the game on Monday, Phillips had left a strong impression with his performance against the Blazers.

In his most impressive performance to date, Phillips scored a season-high 11 points in 23 minutes coming off the bench. He hit four of his seven shots, including a three-pointer, and went two of four from the free-throw line. In addition to his scoring, Phillips logged two rebounds, one assist, and a spectacular two-handed block.

Yesterday, I said in this space that the Bulls gave me zero reason to enjoy watching them lately, but if a rookie like Phillips is going to get some run, that would pique my interest.

Before Sunday, Phillips logged only 99 minutes of action in 22 games with the Bulls this season. Seeing him earn some additional run on Sunday was fun.

His scoring included an aggressive baseline-driving layup with a continuation foul, a well-timed cut for an alley-oop dunk, and a cutting layup that outsmarted Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon. Even though he missed the subsequent and-one opportunities, Phillips made a significant impact.

With Patrick Williams and Torrey Craig's potential returns cloudy, Phillips is set to continue receiving significant playing time. Williams is undergoing imaging for the soreness in his left foot, hoping that the results will allow him to return without an extended absence. Craig is progressing in his recovery, indicating that Phillips has more opportunities ahead.

Yesterday’s Best

CHICAGO BEARS

• Justin Fields has been popping up in mock trade scenarios (and will continue to do so), and Luis has some thoughts on the landing spots that have been name-checked thus far.

• Brian Urlacher chimed in on the Bears situation ahead this offseason if you’re interested in hearing his two cents.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

• Which picks do the Chicago Blackhawks own in the 2024 NHL Draft?

CHICAGO BULLS

• Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu is having one of the best stretches of his career of late.

• On the other hand, Nikola Vucevic’s three-point shooting has reached a new low.

CHICAGO CUBS

• The Cubs added a pair of relievers on Monday! They signed left-hander Blake Weiman to a minor league deal. They also signed right-hander Sam McWilliams. 

What’s on deck?

The Bulls host the Toronto Raptors at home tonight. Tip-off is set for 7 PM CT. You can catch the action on NBC Sports Chicago.