Nikola Mirotic (appendectomy) has yet to be cleared for on court work

Mirotic (appendectomy) has yet to be cleared for on court work, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Mirotic had his stitches removed about a week ago, but is reportedly still dealing with pain in his abdomen, which hasn't allowed him to return to the court in any fashion. Coach Fred Hoiberg said he believes Mirotic will return at some point this season, which seems to indicate he may still be a few weeks away from any sort of comeback attempt. He'll continue to be evaluated on a week-to-week basis until the Bulls indicate otherwise. Taj Gibson (foot) is back to full health and is expected to play Thursday, which means he should continue to split the additional minutes from Mirotic's absence with Bobby Portis.