When the Chicago Bulls visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, they will be without forward Tyrus Thomas.
The Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday that Thomas was not at practice and will not travel with the team for its Central Division matchup, another in a series of issues this week for the third-year forward.
Coach Vinny Del Negro told the newspaper that Thomas came to practice but was "still pretty sick" after sitting out Tuesday's home win over Milwaukee with flu-like symptoms and would see a doctor Wednesday and Thursday.
Thomas has a fever and sore throat with occasional vomiting, the team said. There had been speculation that Thomas was not ill.
Thomas sat for the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss in Miami and did not receive a contract extension. According to the report, Thomas also was upset that Del Negro called him out for a defensive lapse in practice and captain Lindsey Hunter instucting him in front of teammates.
Thomas averages 9.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Taj Gibson.
The Bulls are getting 11 points in Cleveland with a total of 187.5.