Butler and Gibson nearing return for Bulls

To put it mildly, it's been a rough month for the Chicago Bulls. Surgery for Derrick Rose, followed by injuries to Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson have led to a 3-6 record in March.

But like spring slowly dawning in the Midwest, good news appears to be on its way. On the same day the Bulls got a positive report on Rose, comes word that Butler and Gibson are close to returning to the team's depleted lineup.

Both practiced in full Tuesday, and Butler said it's possible he may play this week, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. The swingman has been sidelined for the past eight games with a sprained ligament in his left elbow.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said he's hopeful Butler and Gibson will play this week, while alluding to the minutes restriction placed on his players by the team - something believed to be a strain between the coach and management.

"I'm hopeful," he said. "But I don't want to speak until I'm told."

Gibson has missed the last nine games with a left ankle sprain, an injury the power forward has had before. With Joakim Noah likely going on a minutes restriction for the rest of the season, the Bulls need their depth back up front.