Nocioni sits out; Gasol may return to face Bulls

Sacramento Kings forward Andres Nocioni is in uniform, but is not expected to play in tonight’s game against the Bulls because of a hip pointer. Donte Greene started in Nocioni’s place.

This is the first of six stops for the Bulls on their annual circus road trip.

Several sources claimed a three-way deal rumored Tuesday that would send Nocioni to Boston and Philadelphia center Sam Dalembert to Sacramento, among other players, was not accurate. The Kings have discussed acquiring Dalembert for seldom-used forward Kenny Thomas, according to the Sacramento Bee.

--In the meantime, Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol practiced Monday and suggested he might be ready to make his season debut against the Bulls on Thursday. Gasol hasn’t played since an Oct. 9 preseason game due to a hamstring injury.

Gasol scored 34 points in a victory over the Bulls last year at the Staples Center.