Feb. 12--The Bulls are 0-2 against the Cavaliers and now 0-3 for full participation against them.
Jimmy Butler will join Kirk Hinrich in street clothes for Thursday's showdown with LeBron James and company, the only game on the NBA schedule before the All-Star break. The Cavaliers have won 14 of 15.
Butler aggravated his strained right shoulder in Tuesday's victory over the Kings and didn't play in the second half. Hinrich is out with turf toe. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Tony Snell would start for Butler.
"It's an important game," Joakim Noah said. "I think it would be great for us to go out on a winning note before the break. Cleveland's playing really well. It would be a good statement game for us."
The Bulls have had their starters intact for just 16 games this season, going 13-3. Butler missed the first meeting against the Cavaliers in October. Mike Dunleavy and Noah sat out the Bulls' road loss to the Cavaliers last month.
"It's our reality," Thibodeau said. "Everyone has to get in, get the job done."
Butler declined to comment following Thursday's morning shootaround, but Thibodeau said Butler still plans to attend All-Star weekend.
Butler won't participate in Saturday's Skills Challenge, according to RealGM on Twitter. The Hawks' Dennis Schroder has tweeted he'll take Butler's spot. Sunday's All-Star game, which would be Butler's first All-Star appearance, is still undetermined.
