Pau Gasol Injury: Updates on Bulls Star's Calf and Return

Chicago Bulls star Pau Gasol is recovering from a calf issue. 

Continue for updates.

Monday, Nov. 24

Gasol Starting vs. Jazz

Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago confirms Pau Gasol will be playing tonight against the Utah Jazz:

Friday, Nov. 21

Gasol Out vs. Trail Blazers

ESPN's Nick Friedell has the latest on Gasol:

Thursday, Nov. 20

Gasol Out vs. Kings

Nick Friedell of ESPN has an update on Gasol's status: 

Monday, Nov. 17

Gasol Suffers Calf Issue

Chicago Bulls All-Star Pau Gasol was declared out with a strained left calf ahead of Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com cited Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau as the source of the news on Gasol:

The addition of Gasol in the offseason and the return of stud point guard Derrick Rose has the Bulls in good shape to contend in the Eastern Conference.

Even before a regular-season game was played, Rose expressed his excitement about welcoming Gasol to the squad, via Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy:

"

Pau is tough, man. I can't wait to see how we jell together. Just seeing him in a couple of practices, he's able to use both hands very well, he's got a couple of very good moves in the post, and you can just tell he’s experienced. He's someone who has been through, what, 12 or 13 training camps already, so he knows how the NBA goes. We're just fortunate to have him.

"

Bleacher Report's Kelly Scaletta noted recently how Gasol has helped bolster an already formidable Chicago defense:

Gasol's injury is a considerable short-term loss for Chicago's exceptional starting five, featuring a frontcourt of Gasol and Joakim Noah that rivals any in the NBA. Gasol has given the Bulls a necessary lift in finesse and scoring from their big-man rotation, and he's averaging 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.

The good news is that Taj Gibson has grown accustomed to playing big minutes, so Chicago should be able to carry on passably without Gasol.

However, it's difficult to replace the basketball intelligence, post game and passing ability Gasol has at his position—not to mention his superior size that goes so well with Noah up front.

Monday's game may expose Gasol's absence more than other matchups, as the Bulls take on an L.A. frontcourt of All-Star Blake Griffin and defensive stopper DeAndre Jordan.

The championship experience Gasol has is invaluable, as this nucleus of Noah, Rose and others hasn't yet reached the summit of raising a Larry O'Brien Trophy. As long as he is healthy for a prospective postseason run, Gasol should help the Bulls in their quest to get over the hump in the East.