Pau Gasol: Could return Monday

Gasol (knee) could be cleared to return to action as soon as Monday against the Kings, Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago reports.

Analysis:

Gasol, who has missed the Bulls' past four games with right knee swelling, was able to get in a shooting workout Saturday and was scheduled to do some more activity Sunday. It's unclear how the latter session went for the veteran big man, but if he's able to take part in Monday's morning shootaround without any hindrance, there's a decent chance he'll be back in the starting lineup later in the evening. Coach Fred Hoiberg indicated that he still thinks Wednesday's game against the Knicks is a more realistic target for Gasol's return, but with the Bulls' playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the 35-year-old could talk his way into the lineup Monday. Be sure to track his status heading into the evening.