Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose,left, Taj Gibson, center and Joakim Noah watch the closing moments of the Bulls 103-88 loss to the Sacramento Kings in an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Taj Gibson Illness: Updates on Bulls Star's Status and Return

Tyler ConwayFeb 23, 2015

Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson was out for the team's game vs. Milwaukee on Feb. 23, as he battled an illness. He returned on Feb. 25 vs. the Hornets.

Continue for updates.

Gibson Returns vs. Hornets

TOP NEWS

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Gibson returned to action on Wednesday and played 28 minutes, scoring seven points.

Gibson Battles Illness

Monday, Feb. 23

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported Gibson would miss the team's game against the Bucks, along with the news that Kirk Hinrich would also miss the contest.

With starters Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah in the lineup, the most likely benefactor of Gibson's absence is Nikola Mirotic, whose playing time has been sporadic amid the Bulls' depth inside.

Mirotic has been effective as a floor-spacer and rebounder when he gets extended time, but can't match Gibson's defensive intensity. The former USC star is one of the league's best defensive bigs on a per-minute basis, a combination of tough, long and strong that makes him a perfect fit for Tom Thibodeau's defensive system. Chicago has to be relieved he's back in the lineup.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter