Pau Gasol listed as probable for Bulls in Game 6
The Chicago Bulls get some good news on the injury front at a time they desperately need it.
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Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol has officially been upgraded to probable for Thursday’s Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bulls listing Pau Gasol (hamstring) as probable for Game 6 tomorrow.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) May 13, 2015
Gasol has not played since the third quarter of Game 3 due to a hamstring injury and his status had been uncertain moving forward. It seems very likely that he will return to the lineup for Game 6, although with a minutes limit.
The Bulls are on the brink of elimination, down 3-2 to Cleveland in the series. After taking a 2-1 series lead, Chicago lost both games without Gasol by a combined seven points.
Even 15 or 20 minutes from Gasol could be enough to make up that difference. While Gasol has limitations on defense, the Bulls’ offense is much better with his ability to shoot off the pick-and-pop and score in the post.
Chicago saw how important Gasol can be in a Game 1 victory, as he poured in 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting. That’s not to mention Gasol’s great passing abilities, which will help the Bulls’ offense tremendously.
Gasol’s return will allow the Bulls to move Taj Gibson out of the starting lineup and into a reserve role. Gibson is a solid rebounder and provides more on the defensive end, but Chicago’s rotation is much better when he comes off the bench.
Despite the needed offensive boost, one negative might come from Gasol’s return. Matchup nightmare Nikola Mirotic will likely slide further down the rotation, as he totaled nine minutes combined in the first two games when Gasol was healthy.
Even with Gasol, the Bulls still face a tall task in Game 6, not to mention going back to Cleveland and having to win a potential Game 7. The Cavaliers have the two best players on the floor in LeBron James and Kyrie Irving and both played very well in Game 5.
Gasol somehow finding a way to shake off the injury and return to his Game 1 form would help matters a lot, but it’s likely going to take something special from Derrick Rose for the Bulls to advance.