As it has been for a couple games, the interior offense that Pau Gasol provides will be absent from the Chicago Bulls lineup.
His hamstring strain remains an issue that will keep him on the bench. This is not a surprise after he barely took part in shootaround, but coach Tom Thibodeau made it official pregame. From Vincent Goodwill of CSNChicago.com.
Gasol out tonight, Thibs just revealed. Gasol was doing some exercises in the hall. Thought it might've been a sign
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) May 12, 2015
This is not all bad for the Bulls — when Gasol was on the court this series the Bulls defense was -9.7 points per 100 possessions. He’s not a good matchup much of the time against the Cavaliers, but Thibodeau leaned on him.
If the Bulls play more Nikola Mirotic — particularly paired with Taj Gibson — they will be better off.
Gasol reportedly is improving and could be back before this series ends.
