Before the Chicago Bulls face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, guard Norman Powell was listed as questionable with lower back spasms. However, Powell was ruled out.

Nevertheless, head coach Tiago Splitter said he knows when he expects Powell to return to the starting rotation, per Gavin Dorsey of the Roundtable Network. He said Powell is at 70% and expects him to return to play Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks.

Overall, Powell is averaging 19.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game in 8 appearances. He last appeared on November 4 against the New York Knicks. Powell scored 12 points and played in 22 minutes in a 135-105 loss. Meanwhile, the Bulls are off to a 1-8 start and in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.

In July, Powell signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Bulls. His addition brings a much-needed scorer. Powell is known for his consistent shooting, especially from the outside. Last year, Powell averaged 21.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game with the Miami Heat. Additionally, he shot 47% from the field and 38% from the 3-point line while making the All-Star game.

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Moreover, Powell brings not only veteran experience but also postseason experience to a young team. Powell, 33, is an 11-year NBA veteran. In 2019, he was with the Toronto Raptors when they won their first NBA championship in franchise history. Additionally, Powell played for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2021 to 2022 and the Los Angeles Clippers from 2022 to 2025.

He is the elder statesman in a locker room disproportionately made up of 20-somethings and teens, in the case of 19-year-old Noa Essengue.