Though he's progressing well in recovery, the Chicago Bulls will be without the services of power forward Bobby Portis for Friday night's home game against the Indiana Pacers, according to a report from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Portis, now 23-years-old, has been dealing with a sprained right ankle since December 19th. The Arkansas native went up to block a shot late in the Bulls' loss to the Nets, but he turned his ankle in the process. In obvious pain, he immediately motioned to the bench for a substitution, then later made his way to the locker room for evaluation. MRI scans that were taken confirmed the sprain.

He's worked hard towards recovery and he was recently cleared for contact in practice. It seems he's getting close to a return.

In nine appearances with the Bulls this season (four starts), Portis has racked up averages of 11.9 points on 41.3 percent shooting from the field (25.0 percent from beyond the arc), 8.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and just under one block (0.8) in 24.4 minutes per outing.

In other Bulls injury news, Valentine underwent a left ankle stabilization procedure in November and will miss the remainder of this season. According to several reports, the former Michigan State Spartan will be able to return to full basketball activities in roughly six months.

Friday night's Bulls-Pacers matchup is scheduled to tip inside the United Center at 8:00 p.m. ET. It will be the third of four regular-season meetings between the two teams. Indiana is leading the season series, 2-0, after posting a 107-105 win in Chicago on Nov. 2nd and a 96-90 win in Indianapolis on Dec. 4th.