CHICAGO -- Taj Gibson is hopeful that he'll be back on the floor for the first time in almost a month as he continues to recover from a sprained left ankle. Gibson said that Tuesday's practice marked the first time since the Feb. 27 injury that he was able to participate in a full-contact practice.

"I'm feeling a lot better," Gibson said after Wednesday's shootaround. "It's a process, I'm frustrated, but I'm feeling a lot better."

Like injured swingman Jimmy Butler, who is recovering from a left elbow injury, Gibson was hopeful that he may be able to play at some point this week -- but offered no promises.

"I don't know, we'll have to see," he said. "I'm working extremely hard to get back. I'm pushing each and every day. [Tuesday] was a good sign. It was good to be back out there with the guys, be back on the court with Thibs giving me orders. It was good. Some things you regret when you're out. But it was good to hear him say, "Taj, push yourself. Push yourself. Go! Go! And I was like, 'Yeah, I'm back.' Now I feel like I'm getting there."