Bulls Uncertain Of Timetable For Nikola Mirotic's Return

(CBS) A day after the Bulls announced forward Nikola Mirotic had a hematoma removal over the weekend just days after having an appendectomy, coach Fred Hoiberg was uncertain of when the second-year pro may return to action.

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.

"We just don't know yet," Hoiberg said Wednesday, according to the Chicago Tribune. "He had the complication, got it fixed and hopefully we'll get him back soon.

"It's still too early to tell. We'll have a better idea once Niko gets out of the hospital. Gradually, he'll have to get his strength back."

Mirotic is expected to be released from Rush University Medical Center within the next few days. After his appendectomy, the team indicated he'd return soon after the All-Star break, but the team must now brace for him to be out longer.

The Bulls have shortened their big man rotation with Mirotic and Joakim Noah out with injuries. Hoiberg has been using going with the trio of Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and rookie Bobby Portis after utilizing four and sometimes five big men earlier in the season.

Mirotic is averaging 10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds this season while shooting 38.6 percent.