Taj Gibson is out indefinitely with a broken rib.
"The fracture wasn’t even hard to spot on the X-ray," said Gibson. "The doctors were like, ‘Are you OK?’ I’m like, ‘I’m fine. We got a game tomorrow.’"
Gibson believes "without a doubt" he'll play again this season.
Gibson found out about the fracture after Monday's game and tried to play in Indianapolis.
"I love my team and my coach," said Gibson.
Several teams called the Chicago Bulls at the deadline about the availability of Jimmy Butler.
The Boston Celtics were one of the teams to call the Bulls and were rebuffed.
Several teams are expected to try again on trading for Butler in the offseason.
The Orlando Magic are a team that several executive identified as capable of dealing for Butler.
Jimmy Butler could undergo exploratory surgery on his left knee as soon as the season ends.
Butler has been trying to play through the injury as the Chicago Bulls fight for a place in the playoffs
“Maybe. I hope not,’’ Butler told the Sun-Times. “Is my knee the same as it was before the injury? No.
“But I want to play, man. And at times I feel like I’m hurting this team. That’s the most disappointing part because I’m not the player I was. I don’t know if there’s something really wrong in there, but it’s not really right, either. But I’ll be fine. I have to figure out a way to help us win playing with this. That’s all I’m worried about.’’
Butler hasn't been playing nearly as well since injuring the knee on Feb. 5.
Butler was averaging 22.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game and just 15.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 39 percent since returning. Butler also hasn't been as explosive or as solid on defense.
Dr. James Andrews told Butler there was nothing structurally wrong with the knee.
“It’s probably in the back of his mind a little bit,’’ Fred Hoiberg said. “But I think that gave him some reassurance was when he went down and saw Dr. Andrews and got a clean-belt of health that everything in there was OK structurally. For him, and all players, not just Jimmy, you need to be out there reacting rather than out there thinking.’’
Dr. James Andrews found "no issues" in the left knee of Jimmy Butler during his visit.
Butler sought a second opinion from Dr. Andrews after the Chicago Bulls' physician found nothing structurally wrong.
Butler experienced swelling in his knee after returning to game action on Saturday.
Jimmy Butler is visiting James Andrews to get a second opinion on his knee.
Fred Hoiberg said the swelling has subsided enough in Butler's knee for him to get a workout in late Tuesday and also get up some shots during Wednesday's light practice.
"He’s just got a little bit of pain on the back of that knee and we just want to be safe with it," Hoiberg said.
Hoiberg said it was Butler's idea to seek the second opinion.
"Everybody agrees that it’s a good idea to go down there and just get an opinion from one of the top doctors in the world," Hoiberg said.
The Bulls said the latest exam from their own team physician, Brian Cole, revealed nothing structurally wrong with the knee.
Jimmy Butler has been ruled out by the Chicago Bulls for Monday's game due to swelling in his knee.
Butler returned to action on Saturday after a month-long absence.
Butler played 34 minutes in the game, a win by the Bulls over the Houston Rockets.
Pau Gasol says he will opt for free agency this offseason but the Chicago Bulls remain his preferred option.
"I do not like talking about the future," said Gasol. "We'll see what happens. The Bull's door is open because I will exercise my option contract and be a free agent, and Chicago will always be my first choice. I do not know how hard the franchise might try to keep me. I know I gave up a better deal economically to be on a team with the chance to win a ring.
"If this situation does not occur, I have to value other things. Of course the most important thing is not money, as I also want my game to be appreciated."
The Bulls discussed a trade at the deadline with the Sacramento Kings.
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