Pau Gasol Injury: Updates on Bulls Forward's Hamstring and Return
Pau Gasol exited the Chicago Bulls' Game 3 contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers with an injury to his left hamstring. He missed Games 4 and 5 but is starting in Game 6.
Continue for updates.
Gasol Starting in Game 6
Thursday, May 14
Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald reported Gasol will start Game 6.
The veteran big man has been one of the Bulls' best and most important players this season.
Following the Game 3 victory, Gasol told reporters that he initially injured his hamstring during Game 2 but tried to play through it Friday. ESPN's Nick Friedell noted that at one point during the first half, Gasol "came to [the] bench and was being stretched out on [the] floor by Bulls trainers."
After a couple of disappointing seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, many wondered if Gasol's best days were behind him. That certainly hasn't been the case, though, as the All-Star has experienced a resurgence during his first campaign with the Bulls in 2014-15.
Gasol added a different dimension to the Bulls on both ends of the floor alongside center Joakim Noah. He has also been quite durable, which is something that cannot be said for most of Chicago's key players this season.
Aside from a calf strain that cost Gasol three games in November, the 7-footer has been a consistent presence in the lineup. With Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose finally on the court and healthy at the same time, it's disappointing to see an injury sideline Gasol at such a critical juncture.
The two-time NBA champion preached the importance of thriving down the stretch back in mid-February, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, but his injury certainly won't help in that regard.
"We just need to be a little more consistent, play with a better sense of urgency every game," Gasol said. "Understand the importance of every game. ... Every game is important, especially how the standings are. We just can't take any setbacks."
Gasol's injury forced him to miss two critical games against the Cavaliers, so getting him back for Game 6 is a tremendous boost. The Bulls can only hope the 14-year veteran's hamstring is close to 100 percent, allowing him to provide a major impact in Chicago's frontcourt.
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