Bulls Expect To Get Jimmy Butler Back, But Now Pau Gasol's Out
By Cody Westerlund--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Bulls have encountered another injury problem.
All-Star center and second-leading scorer Pau Gasol will miss at least the next two games and likely more after experiencing right knee swelling. An MRI revealed no structural damage for Gasol, coach Fred Hoiberg said, but he won't travel as Chicago visits Toronto on Monday and Washington on Wednesday.
It's likely Gasol will miss more than two games. The Bulls return for home games Thursday and Saturday.
Monday will mark the fourth game of the season that Gasol's missed.
"The knee is intact," Hoiberg said. "But he does have swelling and that needs to be addressed. So we're in the process of going over some different treatment options, and we'll know more about that in the morning.
"There's a significant amount of swelling in there. It's been determined that he needs this week to recover from that."
Gasol had been bothered by the knee for a while, Hoiberg said.
"He's had some irritation down there," Hoiberg said. "He's been fighting through it, battling through it. And the knee just swelled up. It's time to figure out exactly what it is with the swelling and then put a treatment plan together."
Jimmy Butlers' expected back Monday for the Bulls, Hoiberg said, after missing the past three games and 14 of the last 15 with a left knee injury. Butler was a full participant in Sunday's practice.
The Bulls officially listed Butler as questionable. There's a "plan" in place as far as a minutes restriction, Hoiberg said, though he wouldn't reveal a specific number.
"He had a great day," Hoiberg said. "Had two good days the previous two as well. He has had no issues, no swelling, feels really good. So he'll hopefully be good to go tomorrow."
Derrick Rose was listed as doubtful for Monday's game after he missed Friday's loss with a groin injury. He was a partial participant Sunday, doing light work but not taking contact.