Claxton Upgraded to Doubtful as Bulls Debut Finally Nears

Nic Claxton's long wait to make his Chicago Bulls debut may finally be nearing its end. The Bulls upgraded the big man from out to doubtful on their injury report for Monday's road game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the first time he has been listed as anything other than out since the season began. Claxton, acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a four-team offseason trade, suffered a strained left hamstring at training camp, missed the entire preseason and sat out the first six games of the season. Head coach Tiago Splitter told reporters on Sunday that Claxton was a full participant in practice, though he stressed the centre remains day-to-day and wants to see him string two full practices together before clearing him. That caution means a debut in Philadelphia is possible but not guaranteed. The Bulls brought Claxton in to steady their defence, and his return would give a new-look frontcourt its missing anchor. For now, the upgrade itself is the news: after weeks of setbacks, the Bulls' biggest offseason addition is officially close.