ESPN

Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas, who flew to Cleveland on his own, checked into the game late in the first quarter Thursday night against the Cavaliers.

The fourth-year forward, who has been out for the past few days with the flu, has two points and a block in six minutes of action so far against the Cavs. The organization wasn't sure if Thomas would play earlier in the day, but obviously he felt well enough to help out his teammates. For the second straight game, rookie Taj Gibson started in his place.

Thomas, who was suffering from flu-like symptoms, missed Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks and missed practice Wednesday.

ESPNChicago.com's Nick Friedell contributed to this report