The Chicago Bulls have been dealing with a number of injuries this season, including to players like Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Kirk Hinrich, Aaron Brooks and Mike Dunleavy. Butler is playing through some foot soreness, but he plans on playing through it, while Brooks is questionable to play Wednesday and Hinrich is out.
Rose missed time earlier in the season with an ankle issue, but he has been able to play over the past week and did not have any issues practicing. According to the Chicago Tribune, Butler is dealing with a sore heel and he said that he "fully" plans on playing through the injury. Butler has been putting up strong numbers this season, averaging 20 points and five rebounds per game. Head coach Fred Hoiberg said after the game against the Spurs that Aaron Brooks will be a game time decision on Wednesday night.
Brooks has been dealing with a hamstring injury and he comes into the game questionable against the Nuggets on Wednesday. Brooks did not play on Monday for the Bulls and if he does play, Hoiberg likely will limit his minutes to keep the injury from getting too much strain. Rose is back and that gives Hoiberg the option of using E'Twaun Moore if Brooks can't go.
Hinrich is "doubtful" for the game on Wednesday and Johnson reports that he likely will be out for the matchup against the Nuggets. Hinrich has only played in seven games this season and he is dealing with a hip injury that kept him out on Monday. Hinrich is averaging eight points and two assists per game this season and the team is hoping he can get healthy soon with Brooks also banged up. Johnson reports that there is "no structural damage" to the heel for Butler and that is why he feels he can play through the injury.
Mike Dunleavy has not yet played this season for the Bulls and Hoiberg said that Dunleavy is visiting with a back specialist in Los Angeles. The back injury issue has kept Dunleavy out and his injury has given Doug McDermott and Tony Snell more time on the court for the Bulls. Dunleavy was shut down for at least two more weeks at the end of November and there is no set timetable for his return.
Check here for more on the Bulls and the latest on the injuries.
