National Basketball Association

Bulls' Gasol still expected to play in Game 6 vs. Cavs

Published May. 14, 2015 1:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol remains on track to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Thursday night.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said at the morning shootaround that the five-time All-Star is "feeling a lot better," but would not say if he will be in the lineup. Gasol said Wednesday he plans to play after missing back-to-back games because of a strained left hamstring.

Gasol's return could be a boost for a team that trails 3-2 and is facing potential elimination on its home court. Even if he is limited, the Bulls believe his presence will help.

"Pau doesn't move around out there like a gazelle," Mike Dunleavy Jr. said. "Him at not 100 percent is OK with us. His size is still huge. He can still knock down shots. If he's a little slow getting up and down the court, we'll cover for him."

Gasol's leg started to bother him in Game 2, and he left Game 3 after playing about 22 minutes.

A two-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, he signed with the Bulls in the offseason and averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds. At 34, he also led the NBA with a career-high 54 double-doubles.