Jimmy Butler's Status Still Uncertain For Season Opener
(CBS) The Bulls are tasked with defending one of the NBA's premier offensive talents in Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony in their season opener at New York on Wednesday night, and they still aren't sure if they'll have their top perimeter defender.
Swingman Jimmy Butler's status is still uncertain as the sprained ligaments in his left thumb continue to heal, Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said Tuesday after practice. Butler didn't practice Tuesday, though he did some side work like shooting and dribbling, including with his left hand. Butler had his left thumb wrapped and taped, and that's how he'll operate if he plays Wednesday.
Butler will likely be a gametime decision. He hasn't played since injuring his left thumb on Oct. 19 against the Hornets.
When asked if he thinks he'll play, Butler responded, "I don't know."
"I feel better," he said.
"We'll see how it feels in the morning ... My thumb has to be able to hold up and not reinjure itself."
Thibodeau entertained the idea that Butler could play because of his defensive prowess even if he's really limited offensively.
"He has to be able to play," Thibodeau said. "He does a lot of other things besides shoot the ball. But we'll see. We have more than enough."
As for checking Anthony, Thibodeau said, "We're going to have to guard him with our team," whether Butler plays or not. Mike Dunleavy would likely draw some of the defensive responsibility on Anthony if Butler can't play.
In other notable news, Thibodeau said that Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose -- who were on a minutes restrictions in the preseason as they came back from knee injuries -- would play similar minutes to their preseason finale, when they were in the low 30-minute range against the Timberwolves.
