Bulls Still First In East

ESPN -  DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer will play Monday against the Sacramento Kings, barring a setback, after missing five games because of a sprained left ankle.

"If there aren't any problems before the game tonight, he'll go," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "He was fine today."

The Bulls enter play Monday tied for the Eastern Conference lead with the Boston Celtics. Both teams are 49-19, and the Celtics take on the slumping Knicks in New York.Forward Luol Deng, who did not practice on Sunday to rest a left thigh bruise, will play as well. Taj Gibson, who was seen wearing a walking boot due to an injured right big toe, is a game-time decision.

"Knowing me, I should try to play, but we'll see by [Monday] if the swelling goes down," Gibson on Sunday. "If anything, I'll try to adjust and get as much treatment as possible, hope I can get back on the court early."

Boozer, who suffered the injury March 9 after falling to the ground on a flagrant foul by the Charlotte Bobcats' Kwame Brown, returned to practice on Sunday.

Averaging 18.3 points and 9.6 rebounds, Boozer has missed 23 games because of injury this season. Thibodeau is excited to have him back

Loving the Bulls right now, even though they just lost to the lowly Pacers Friday night.  I actually had a feeling they were going to lose because they were still undefeated within their division and I felt like they were due for a loss.  Rose had 42 and should have had about 52 because he was getting fouled every time he drove without a call.  

At this point there really isn't much to say about the Bulls until they get into the playoffs.  Rose is playing the best basketball in the league right now and will win the MVP award.  Thibs is going to win Coach of the Year.  Bulls should get a one seed.  Just gotta keep their momentum going for another couple of weeks until they start their march to another NBA ship.