Nikola Mirotic (chest) is said to be "close" to returning, per coach Fred Hoiberg, Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago reports.

Mirotic (chest) is said to be "close" to returning, per coach Fred Hoiberg, Nick Friedell of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

This latest report seems to somewhat contradict news earlier this week that suggested Mirotic was still at least a week or two away from returning. Of course, it's difficult to judge exactly what "close" means, but with Mirotic increasing his workload in recent practices, it's conceivable to think he could return within the next handful of games, rather than sitting out another couple of weeks. Regardless, Mirotic isn't on track to play Saturday against the Rockets.