Jimmy Butler Injury: Updates on Bulls Guard's Thumb and Return
Updates from Monday, Nov. 3
The Bulls later updated Jimmy Butler's status for Tuesday's game vs. Orlando, via Jessica Camerato of Boston.com:
Updates from Friday, Oct. 31
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune has an update on Jimmy Butler's status:
"Jimmy Butler participated in Friday's morning shootaround at the United Center and is a gametime decision for the home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"Little better," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "We'll see tonight."
Butler hadn't practiced since spraining his left thumb on Oct. 19 until Thursday and responded well but is still wearing heavy protective tape on the injury. Butler declined to talk to reporters.
"
Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 29
Nick Friedell of ESPN reported the latest timetable for Jimmy Butler's return:
Updates from Tuesday, Oct. 21
The Chicago Bulls provide an update on Jimmy Butler's thumb injury:
Updates from Monday, Oct. 20
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune has an update on Jimmy Butler's thumb injury:
"Jimmy Butler will undergo an MRI on Tuesday in Chicago, but early indications are that his sprained left thumb won't need surgery.
The Bulls officially called the starting shooting guard, who missed Monday's exhibition against the Cavaliers, day to day.
Butler, who suffered the injury early in Sunday's exhibition victory against the Hornets, wore a splint to protect the injury but still got up shots with his one good hand during pregame warm-ups. Kirk Hinrich started for Butler, who said he's optimistic he won't miss much time.
"
The Bulls' official Twitter feed confirmed Butler's status for Tuesday's game against the Cavs:
Original
The momentum behind Jimmy Butler's tremendous preseason was momentarily halted Sunday night, as he suffered a sprained left thumb against the Charlotte Hornets.
Butler suffered the injury midway through the second quarter after attempting to get his hand in a passing lane. It kept him out for the rest of the game, per the Chicago Bulls' Twitter feed:
In search of a new contract, the fourth-year wing has looked tremendous in the preseason. He scored 29 against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday and has been dangerously efficient on the offensive end, shooting well over 60 percent.
"Jimmy has grown,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said Thursday night, via NBA.com's Steve Aschburner. “He’s more a scorer than to characterize him as a straight shooter. He’s an all-around scorer. He’ll find ways to put the ball in the basket.”
Fortunately, the Bulls have a little more than a week until the regular-season opener, and the injury doesn't sound too serious. Butler, who logged nearly 40 minutes per game last year, is one of the tougher players in the league and should be ready to go for the games that matter.
If the injury is more severe than it seems, Tony Snell will see an uptick in minutes.
