Nic Claxton was clutching a basketball as he stepped in front of reporters after Friday's practice. For all we know, it might be his pillow tonight.

The 27-year-old sounded eager to make his Chicago Bulls debut. After coming over from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade this offseason, his start to the year was delayed due to a training camp hamstring injury. He went on to miss the entirety of preseason and the first eight games of the regular season, watching his new team get off to a disastrous 1-7 start.

The big man said he's feeling great after practicing in full alongside his many new teammates. To be clear, Tiago Splitter wouldn't confirm that Claxton's debut is set for Sunday afternoon, but the head coach's smile when asked about his status all but gave it away.

There will undoubtedly be a minutes restriction for Claxton when he takes the floor. The training staff took his rehab slowly and will ramp up his workload all the same.…