Rajon Rondo, NBA Trade News, Chicago Bulls
Jan 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-99. USA TODAY Sports / Geoff Burke

Rajon Rondo, Chicago Bulls' veteran point guard, is hoping to play Game 5 of the ongoing first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics after missing Games 3 and 4 with a fractured thumb. Rondo worked out late Tuesday evening with hopes of returning to the court during Wednesday's pivotal Game 5, per reports.

According to ESPN, Rondo is trying to "determine if he's healthy enough to return to the court" a day after coach Fred Hoiberg ruled out the possibility of the guard playing in Game 5. However, Hoiberg left the door open for Rondo's return during Game 6 in Chicago or a possible Game 7 in Boston.

‎"He wants to play bad. As of right now, it's still tender and he's erring on the side of waiting until Game 6. But knowing him he could change his mind in the morning and try to play," a source close to Rondo was quoted as saying. The report added that a final call on Rondo's status for Game 5 will be taken close to tipoff. In what can be perceived as positive news for the Bulls, Rondo switched from a cast to a soft split and participated with his teammates Tuesday while shielding his injured thumb and wrist.

After Tuesday's practice session, Hoiberg addressed Rondo's injury while speaking with reporters. "This is honestly the first time he's touched a basketball with that right hand (since the injury). We'll see. We'll see how it goes. He's going to continue to condition and do everything that he can. He was in the weight room yesterday getting a good session in there. It was his first time back in the weight room. He's just getting this whole process started."

2017 NBA Playoffs: Isaiah Canaan to start in Game 5

Hoiberg announced that the Bulls will start fourth-year journeyman Isaiah Canaan ahead of backup point guards Jerian Grant and Michael Carter-Williams during Wednesday's Game 5. The duo of Grant and Carter-Williams are a combined 6/28 in the series besides committing a combined nine turnovers during Games 3 and 4. If Rondo were to return for Game 5, Hoiberg could change his plans to start Canaan.

"It's so early in the process. Just watching him wince a little bit as the ball was coming to him makes me think it's a long shot, but if there's anybody that can do it, will try to fight through it, it's Rondo. Just because the competitor that he is and obviously wanting to get back out there. Doing everything that he can to put himself into position, knowing that it's obviously still a long shot for that to happen," Hoiberg said while addressing Rondo's potential return.

Rajon Rondo signed a two-year, US$27 million (AU$35 million) contract with the Chicago Bulls last summer. However, only US$3 million (AU$3.9 million) of his 2017-18 salary will be guaranteed if the Bulls release the guard before June 30. Several reports suggest that Rondo and Wade are expected to stay in Chicago for another year. Stay tuned for the latest Rajon Rondo Injury Update, besides news and updates from the 2017 NBA Playoffs.