Report: Whiteside targeting return Thursday vs. Bulls

Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside is aiming to return from a hip injury on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls, according to the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman. Whiteside missed the Heat's last nine games after injuring his hip on March 10.

With Whiteside sitting out 28 of the Heat's 75 games this season due to various injuries, Miami has been forced to turn to Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk. The 7-footer is averaging 14.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 25.9 minutes per game.

Miami (40-35) sits seventh in the Eastern Conference with seven games to play.