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Mike Dunleavy To Take Contact Tuesday, Eyes February Return

(CBS) Out the entire season after late September back surgery, Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy is scheduled to take contact in practice Tuesday and is targeting a February return.

Dunleavy didn't give further specifics on a potential February return date but did indicate he's making good progress.

"Lately it's going well," Dunleavy said, according to CSNChicago.com. "I'm practicing with the team. I'm closer, feeling a lot better. Hope to be out there soon."

Dunleavy will join the Bulls for their seven-game road trip that starts with a trek out west and a Thursday game at the Los Angeles Lakers. The Bulls have six games from Feb. 1-10, then have a week off for the All-Star break before facing the Cavaliers on Feb. 18.

This is the second time Dunleavy has made significant progress toward a return. Last time, he suffered a setback in late November and had to return to rehab and stay off the court.

While there's still some uncertainty surrounding Dunleavy's return, the latest news is positive, considering there was some doubt as to whether he'd return at all this season. Dunleavy underwent a lower back microdiscectomy procedure on Sept. 25. Three days later, he didn't share the team's view that he'd be back in eight to 10 weeks.

"I don't really have a timeframe on it," Dunleavy said on media day. "I'm coming back when I feel good.

"I have no idea, hopefully that will be this season."

The 35-year-old Dunleavy averaged 9.4 points in 2014-'15 while starting 63 games. He shot nearly 41 percent from 3-point range and was solid defensively.

In a weird way, Dunleavy's become a more revered figure internally while he's out, as Chicago's been inconsistent and received uneven production from Tony Snell, Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic at the small forward spot. Time and again, the Bulls -- including management -- have cited the need for Dunleavy to be healthy before judging a team that's 25-18 with some spectacular wins and dumbfounding losses.

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