Hassan Whiteside is expecting to suit up on Monday against the Chicago Bulls after missing the last two games with right hip tendinosis, according to Jason Quick of The Athletic. The Portland Trail Blazers center is averaging a strong 14.9 points and 12.0 rebounds per game this season and his presence on the boards could mean a lot to a team that has now lost four straight games, sitting at 5-12 in this campaign.

A tendinosis issue could persist, but given that Whiteside has missed only two games could mean this isn't a very severe injury.

The Blazers have been destroyed on the glass in their last two games, outrebounded by 20 and 23 boards against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively.

Bringing Whiteside back would push Anthony Tolliver and Skal Labissiere back into reserve roles, with the 7-footer soaking up the lion's share of minutes.

The Blazers need a win badly, considering they're still winless with Carmelo Anthony as their new addition (0-3), though they have also missed Lillard for two of those games.

Portland is hoping for a quick turnaround, considering other teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Dallas Mavericks have quickly become threats to stay in the top four of a loaded Western Conference, along with favorites Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.

The Blazers find themselves as the penultimate team in the West, just two wins above the league-worst Golden State Warriors, whom they also lost to earlier this season.