March 22--Pau Gasol will return Monday night against the Kings after missing the last four games with a swollen right knee.
Gasol will start and play on a minutes restriction, coach Fred Hoiberg said. It's only the second time the regular lineup of Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy, Taj Gibson and Gasol will start. That unit is 1-0.
"He got a really good workout in (Sunday), played some live two-on-two," Hoiberg said of Gasol. "And he responded well, didn't have any swelling or pain in his knee. We'll be careful with it."
Rookie Cristiano Felicio, who drew his first NBA start last game, also should get minutes and matchup against All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.
"He's the most versatile big man in the game right now," Hoiberg said. "He had another 20-20 game (Sunday) night. He can shoot the 3-pointer. He has a great crossover dribble. He's a good passer, excellent rebounder and unbelievable size and mobility. He's a very tough cover for anybody one-on-one."
The Bulls are 2-0 on a critical, four-game homestand against all sub-.500 teams. They are tied for the Pistons for the Eastern Conference's eighth seed, one-half game behind thePacers.
"We've just got to focus on us," Taj Gibson said. "As long as we win games, we'll be where we want to be later in the season."
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