Dunleavy may return to face Spurs
With the Bulls struggling over the past eight games, coach Tom Thibodeau labeled overcoming a long series of injuries as the team's biggest obstacle.
The regular starting lineup of Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol has been intact for just 15 of 43 games. The Bulls have gone 12-3 in those 15 contests.
Relief could be around the corner. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Dunleavy participated in all of Wednesday's practice after missing 10 games with a right ankle injury.
It's too soon to tell if he'll be on the court Thursday against San Antonio.
"Still day-to-day," Thibodeau said Wednesday at the Advocate Center. "But it was good to have everyone in practice today."
Gasol gave a more detailed report on Dunleavy's participation.
"He looked good," Gasol said. "Mike is a veteran player. He knows his body well. He knows how to play the game, high IQ, plays the game easily. He's a great player to have on our floor and I look forward to having him tomorrow ... hopefully."
Noah did portions of practice. He's still officially listed as doubtful with a right ankle injury and has missed three full games.
"We've only had our starting lineup for 15 games this year. So I'm surprised we've been able to do what we've done this far," Thibodeau said. "But that's our reality, we're getting guys back now, and then we go from there."
Gasol denies Spurs:
When he made the rounds as a free agent this summer, Pau Gasol strongly considered defending champion San Antonio, which visits the United Center on Thursday.
"I spoke with (coach Gregg Popovich) several times," Gasol said. "It was great to speak to him. I have the utmost admiration for him and respect. It just didn't work out that way.
"But it was a pleasure just to talk to him. Great basketball coach, great person just to have a conversation with. I hope in the future I have more conversations with him. It just wasn't meant to be."
Gasol has acknowledged that one of the biggest lures for the Bulls was being able to live in a large city. Oklahoma City also missed the cut.
"It was difficult," Gasol said. "I had great options, but I thought this was the best fit for me and I still believe that."
Bull horns:
Coach Tom Thibodeau was asked his thoughts on reports that he might be on the "hot seat" due to the Bulls' recent slump. "Could care less," he said. ... Thibodeau was also asked if he'd ever deflate basketballs to help win a game, as the New England Patriots are accused of doing. "I find that very offensive," Thibodeau said with a smile. ... Forbes' annual NBA franchise valuation pegged the Bulls as being worth an even $2 billion, third-highest behind the Lakers and Knicks. The magazine estimated the Bulls' operating income at $65.3 million last season, No. 2 in the league behind the Lakers.