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Pau Gasol likely to play Sunday, Taj Gibson doubtful

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

At least Pau Gasol is feeling better.

The Chicago Bulls power forward sat out Friday's game due to illness, but he's likely to return Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Gasol got shots up at practice Saturday and head coach Tom Thibodeau was hopeful that's a sign he can go Sunday.

Gasol is averaging 18.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 blocks, so getting him back in the lineup is a plus for the Bulls. It takes on additional importance now, with Derrick Rose sidelined and Taj Gibson likely out on Sunday.

Gibson sprained his left ankle in the first quarter Friday's game and didn't return. He was spotted limping badly in the locker room following the game, didn't practice Saturday and is being called doubtful for Sunday's contest.

This has to be of some concern for the Bulls, as Gibson has a lot of red ink when it comes to his left ankle. Gibson sprained that same ankle in January of 2012 and then again in November and December of this year, missing three, six and two games, respectively. He also sprained it at the tail end of last season, ultimately skipping USA Basketball Select camp to rehab the injury.

The Bulls have a deep enough frontcourt to handle a short-term absence for Gibson, but he's their best defensive option at power forward and their ceiling has already been lowered with Rose's injury. They'll need Gibson at full strength come playoff time.

Last year's runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year, Gibson is averaging 10.6 points and 6.6 rebounds in 28.1 minutes, shooting 49 percent from the floor.

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