Tom Thibodeau expected to be back with the Bulls after the death of his father

Chicago Bulls’ head coach Tom Thibodeau missed Monday’s shootaround to attend the funeral of his father, Thomas, Sr. Thomas died on Christmas day in Connecticut. He was 83 years old.

Thibodeau wasn’t very vocal about his loss, but the team will continue to support him.

“I guess he kind of kept it to himself,” guard Jimmy Butler said of Thibodeau’s loss via Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, “but he’s still the competitor and wants to win and all of that good stuff, but we know what’s he’s feeling so we’ll be there for him.”

Thibodeau has rejoined the team in Memphis and will coach when the Bulls take on the Grizzlies Monday night.

It’s been tough for Thibodeau on the court as well. He has had to deal with a series of injuries, including Derrick Rose’s season-ending knee injury. Butler has been battling a toe injury, but expects to play Tuesday while Luol Deng continues to be listed as a game-time decision because of his Achilles injury.

The Bulls and Grizzlies will tip at 8:00 pm EST and the game is on NBA TV.