Feb. 08--Mike Dunleavy's subtle contributions are most impactful over time. With his season debut lasting just over 14 minutes, there wasn't a lot of that commodity on Saturday.
But Dunleavy is happy his back felt fine after his five-point effort against the Timberwolves and is confident his playing time will increase after he surprisingly returned before this weekend's All-Star break.
"It's going to be a progression, build it up slowly," Dunleavy said. "Obviously, we got backed up against the All-Star break here, so the timing isn't perfect. But get a couple more (games) in before the break and after that, hopefully start really progressing.
"I think (game condition) will come sooner rather than later. I put a lot of work in, feel pretty good about it. I'll be good."
Hand to hand: Pau Gasol wore a large pad on his sore left hand, which sidelined him Friday night in Denver. He didn't decide to play against the Timberwolves until shortly before tipoff and scored 25 points, including two 3-pointers.
"Once I went out and got a feel for the ball and took some shots and warmed up and saw how the hand felt, I knew I'd be a little limited, a little sore at times, but I knew I could be effective and compete," Gasol said. "I wanted to be out there with the rest of the guys."
No go: The Bulls didn't release an updated timeline on Jimmy Butler's absence after Butler met with a team physician on Sunday. But Butler's strained left knee will sideline him Monday and likely for the final game before the All-Star break on Wednesday.
"Obviously, Jimmy does a lot for us on both ends," Kirk Hinrich said. "We've kind of ridden him at times this year when we've had injuries and now he's down. Other guys are going to have to step up and we'll have to take the challenge. We have what it takes in this room to right the ship until he gets back. We have to pay attention to the little things -- defend, play with competitiveness and a passion."
