"The uncertain availability of Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer could mean extended minutes for Taj Gibson, and perhaps a starting assignment in the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday against the Atanta Hawks.

"Knowing Carlos, I think he's going to play," Gibson said after practice Friday at the Berto Center.

Boozer is dealing with a turf toe injury after a subpar opening-round series against Indiana.

"I know he's going to play hard and he's going to play well. That's one thing about our team. We've got a lot of guys that's not going to slack off," Gibson said. "However many minutes I get, I'm just going to go in and do my job, play with a lot of energy, play with a lot of effort and just play."

Veteran forward Kurt Thomas also could see more playing time."