Nikola Mirotic Injury: Updates on Bulls F's Knee, Possible Concussion and Return

Although the Chicago Bulls picked up a big Game 2 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, they might have a bigger problem on their hands regarding the health of Nikola Mirotic, who missed Game 3. However, he is available for Game 4.

Continue for updates.

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Mirotic Available for Game 4

Saturday, April 25

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau announced that Mirotic will be available for Game 4, per Alex Boeder of Bucks.com.

ESPN's Nick Friedell reported on Friday that Mirotic was day-to-day, but looked unlikely to play in Game 4.

On April 21, Johnson reported that while the Bulls would have an official announcement later in the day Tuesday, early indications were that Mirotic's muscle strain was serious. Johnson also noted that while the Bulls had two days off between Games 2 and 3, Mirotic was "sore [Tuesday]" and his status was still unknown.

Vincent Goodwill of Comcast SportsNet Chicago reported that "Mirotic is walking with a considerable limp and has his left leg wrapped up."

Friedell provided further details on Mirotic's status from Thibodeau, who confirmed Mirotic doesn't have a concussion:

On April 20, Friedell reported that Mirotic's knee was swollen after the game, and it will be evaluated to determine whether there's any damage:

There was also a concern that the 24-year-old might have suffered a concussion during a scrum for possession with the Bucks' Zaza Pachulia—though Thibodeau confirmed he didn't. Pau Gasol let his feelings about the play be known, per Friedell:

Mirotic played 22 minutes in Game 2, scoring eight points and grabbing four boards.

Although he started only three of the Bulls' 82 regular-season games, Mirotic emerged as a vital role player off the bench this year. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds a game heading into the playoffs. His ability to strengthen the defense is critical on a Chicago team that's good but not necessarily great from long range.   

Should Mirotic be forced to miss any games, Taj Gibson will likely have to pick up more minutes. Gibson and Cameron Bairstow are the only other natural power forwards on the team behind Gasol, and Bairstow played 64 minutes during the regular season.