Taj Gibson looking to play on Friday
After sitting out in their last game, Chicago Bulls second-year power-forward Taj Gibson could play in their rematch against the Denver Nuggets on Friday 26 November at the Pepsi Center in
Denver.
Gibson, who is averaging 12.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game this season, missed a game for the first time in his two-year NBA career because of a sore right foot, but the team doctor said
there was no major damage in his foot and that the 25-year-old forward could play again starting Friday 26 November.
“The positive thing is there are no tears or ligament damage,” Gibson said. “It's a bruise deep in the tissue. I just took a day off. They told me to relax and get ready for the next one.”
The former USC standout, Gibson, played well in his last two games, averaging 16.5 points and 15 rebounds per game. Gibson had his breakout night this season when he scored 17 points and
grabbed 18 rebounds in their win against the Dallas Mavericks on 19 November that was followed by a 16-point and 12-rebound performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on 23 November.
Without Gibson, the Bulls managed to dominate the boards in their 123-115 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday 24 November.
James Johnson took some of Gibson’s minutes and he made the most out of it, tallying 12 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, earning praise from head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“James has been practicing very, very well,” Thibodeau said. “His approach has been great. He has been putting in a lot of extra time. I have a lot of confidence in him.”
The Bulls, who escaped with a 94-92 win in their first meeting with Denver on 8 November, will try to sweep their season-series against the Nuggets. Veteran point guard Chauncey Billups,
who is suffering from wrist and nose injury, will also be a game-time decision for Denver.
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