Taj Gibson Injury: Updates on Bulls Star's Hamstring and Return

Chicago Bulls big man Taj Gibson suffered a hamstring injury on March 2. However, he's ready to return to the court.

Continue for updates.

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Gibson Active vs. Rockets

Saturday, March 5

Gibson said he will play against Houston, per Nick Friedell of ESPN.

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Gibson Important to Injury-Plagued Bulls 

Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy and Nikola Mirotic all missed significant time this season with physical setbacks, and Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol battled nagging injuries throughout the campaign. 

As if that weren't enough, 2013-14 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah was lost for the season with a shoulder injury, and Gibson himself dealt with a foot strain around the All-Star break.

When healthy, Gibson has been a strong rebounder and defensive force for the Bulls ever since the franchise drafted him in the first round in 2009. He is a double-double threat whenever he steps on the floor and is a strong rim protector as well.

Gibson has always been a formidable defensive presence down low and averaged at least 1.1 blocks a game in every season of his career. What's more, opponents shot 13.8 percent worse than their normal averages within six feet of the basket last season when Gibson guarded them, per NBA.com.

Getting Gibson back in the fold should help Chicago on both ends of the floor as they fight to remain in the playoff hunt.