Jan. 06--Jimmy Butler returned Monday from his one-game leave for bereavement and will start at small forward with Mike Dunleavy still out because of his jammed right ankle.
Derrick Rose, who suffered a minor right hip injury in Saturday's overtime victory over the Celtics, had Kirk Hinrich as his starting backcourt running mate.
The Bulls, who took Sunday off, didn't acknowledge Rose's issue until after Pau Gasol casually said "hopefully Derrick will be able to play," and then said Rose is probable.
Dunleavy has shed the walking boot for his injury but didn't participate in the shootaround.
Having Butler back helps, obviously.
"He should be up there in the MVP running," Rockets center Dwight Howard said. "He's playing great basketball. He's been one of the most consistent players all season. He's scoring, playing defense, making game-winners. He's having an unbelievable season. It's like,'Where did he come from?' But you could kind of see his progress over the years.
"When he first game into the league, he was a little shy and didn't do too much. Now, he wants that moment. He wants to be that guy. And he's doing it in the most unselfish way possible. He's not forcing any shots. He's giving the ball to the guys who are supposed to have it. He rebounds, runs the floor. He has a chance to be a really special player in this league."
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