Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) and Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) dive for a loose ball during overtime in an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 105-96 in overtime. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Pau Gasol Injury: Updates on Bulls Forward's Hand and Return

Scott PolacekFeb 3, 2016

The injury-riddled Chicago Bulls took another hit Wednesday when Pau Gasol suffered a hand injury against the Sacramento Kings and missed Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets. However, he's ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Gasol Active vs. Timberwolves

Saturday, Feb. 6

ESPN.com's Nick Friedell reported Gasol is available to play against Minnesota on Saturday.

Gasol's Return Big Boost for Bulls

Gasol is one of the most important players for the Bulls, averaging 16.7 points and 11.0 boards per night.

Even at the age of 35 in his 15th season, Gasol is a consistent player in the middle for Chicago. He stretches the defense with his mid-range jumper, controls the glass on both ends and is an impressive passer for a big man. The five-time All-Star also has two championship rings on his resume from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Chicago needs Gasol healthy if it hopes to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the rest of the Eastern Conference without Joakim Noah, so seeing him back on the court Saturday provides nothing but optimism.