Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson doubtful
Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson could miss their game against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday 23 November at the Staples Center.
Gibson, who sustained a pinched nerve in their warm-up drills on Sunday, missed the Bulls’ practice on Monday and will be listed on a day-to-day status against the Lakers. The 25-year-old
power-forward is hoping that the injury is not serious.
“I didn't turn my ankle or anything,” said second-year forward Gibson, who was 26th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2009 NBA Draft. “It was the nerve on the side of my foot. It was
tingling. I am just hoping it is nothing serious. We don't know about Tuesday against the Lakers.”
Chicago Bulls first-year coach Tim Thibodeau, on the other hand, is hoping that Gibson will be available against the Lakers because they need him to match up with the Lakers’ front-line that
is led by Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, who are both having an outstanding start this season.
Thibodeau also declined to reveal whether Gibson would suit up, although he said that the former USC standout was feeling better after their practice on Monday.
“He's been nicked up, but he said he was feeling a little bit better,” said Thibodeau, who was hired by the Bulls to replace Vinny Del Negro during the off-season.
“He's day-to-day basically. The good thing was we had a couple days without having to play, so I think the rest will help. We'll see how he's feeling.”
Gibson, who is averaging 12.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this season, has not missed a single game since he was drafted last year. He had his breakout game this season, when he tallied
17 points and 18 rebounds, leading the Bulls to an 88-83 win against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday 19 November.
If Gibson misses this game, coach Thibodeau will have to play Brian Scalabrine at the power-forward spot or slide down Joakim Noah to the four-spot, and Omer Asik would start in the centre
position.
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