It was good to see Jimmy Butler in a practice uniform. He is getting closer to returning to the court. But no date has been set.

He knows it is crunch time and wishes he were playing tonight when the Bulls host the Indiana Pacers.  “I want to be back out there, but I don’t want to rush things,” Butler said. “I’m not in basketball shape yet.” This is the time of the season when every possession counts. “It’s a learning curve. Each possession is important,” said Butler.” You have to get ready for the playoffs.”

Coach Tom Thibodeau thought his team has done a good job of holding the fort until the injured return.

“We’ve been 4-6, and in every game,” the Bulls coach said. “We should have won every game.”

In some games, the shooting has failed the Bulls. Excessive turnovers and lack of rebounding have hurt the team too.

Oh and Derrick Rose has also been out, the player that makes the offense tick.  Rose is improving and on schedule said the Bulls coach.   He is moving toward testing his knee out on the court.  Or at least, that is the hope.

Taj Gibson (injured ankle) could return to the lineup in the next few games.  Each game is becoming more critical and one hopes the team can play more healthy bodies in there.