Taj Gibson: (Ankle) Closer To Returning

Gibson (ankle) is getting closer to returning to the lineup, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Gibson suffered the ankle injury Feb. 27 against the Timberwolves, and hasn't appeared in a game since then. He is dealing with a painful bone bruise, which has limited his ability to participate in anything more than walk-through drills. "Basically you've got to start all over again, just trying to strengthen it," Gibson said. "There's a lot of ice. But because the bones kind of hit and that's real painful, so basically right now just trying to get the pain away from that area. When it's a bone bruise, those tend to take a long time, but they know how I am. I'm trying to push it, but it's just frustrating to see those guys out there." Gibson noted that his goal is to return sometime before the end of the regular season so he's able to get back into game shape before the playoffs begin.