Taj Gibson hopes to play tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers
Taj Gibson, the starting power forward for the Chicago Bulls, said he expects to suit up for their next game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday 23 November after missing his team’s
practice on Monday with a pinched nerve in his right foot.
Gibson underwent an MRI on Monday and told reporters the results were positive. "I'm just happy that there
wasn't really tears or anything. [The doctors were] looking at the film, and [their expression was] kind of shaky faces. Their faces were all screwed up, but I'm just happy it wasn't any tears. It's a little aggravation they said, but it will go away."
But Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau is being a bit more cautious in bringing back Gibson, whose 1.6 blocks per game are a team-best. "He
said he's feeling a lot better today, so it's encouraging. We didn't think it was anything major, but we were precautionary [Monday], going to the doctor. [We'll] see how he feels tonight before the game, and if he's ready to go he goes."
The 6ft 9in Gibson, playing in his second year in the league, has averaged 12.1 points and 7.3 rebounds so far this season. The 25-year-old has improved in almost every statistical category
in his second year.
Coming off scoring 17 points and grabbing 18 rebounds in a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Gibson wants to face the two-time defending champion Lakers tonight. "When
the game time comes, everything just changes. I'm looking forward to trying to play. I think I should be able to. I'm feeling a lot better."
Both teams enter tonight’s game in top form. The Bulls are winners of five of their last six games and the Lakers have won their last five. But the Lakers have been tough to beat at the
STAPLES Center this year, boasting a 7-1 home record so far this season.
Tags: