Paul Gasol will play on minutes restriction in return vs. Kings

Pau Gasol will return to the starting lineup for the Chicago Bulls on Monday night when they host the Sacramento Kings at the United Center.

The 35-year-old Spaniard has been absent for the past four games due to a swollen right knee. Chicago went 3-1 during that span.

In an effort to ease him back into his role, head coach Fred Hoiberg will enforce a minutes restriction on Gasol, who'll see the floor for the first time since March 11.

"He got a really good workout in (Sunday), played some live two-on-two," Hoiberg said of Gasol, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson. "And he responded well, didn't have any swelling or pain in his knee. We'll be careful with it."

Gasol is averaging a double-double of 17 points and 11.1 rebounds in his second season in the Windy City. The Bulls currently have a 35-33 record, which ties them with the Detroit Pistons for the eighth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.