WASHINGTON -- After sitting out Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Chicago, Taj Gibson has been cleared to play tonight when the Bulls play the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center.

"I feel way better," Gibson said. "I'm gonna just go out there and try."

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Gibson will come off the bench and how many minutes he plays will be determined by his effectiveness. Kurt Thomas will start at center.