Jan. 26--On a day the Heat got better injury news than the Bulls for Monday's meeting, at least there is some potentially positive news for the future.
Coach Fred Hoiberg said Mike Dunleavy, out all season following offseason back surgery, will be paced through a controlled scrimmage with contact on Tuesday and will also travel with the Bulls on their seven-game trip that begins Thursday in Los Angeles.
Dunleavy, who said his back feels "great," is targeting a return sometime in February. This is roughly the same point in late November he reached before suffering a setback in his recovery. But Dunleavy said he's more confident this time.
"It's mostly conditioning, rhythm, timing," Dunleavy said. "I haven't played in a game since May. Overall, I feel really good."
Returning Dunleavy would be a huge boost for a team that has lost Joakim Noah for the season and is without Kirk Hinrich and E'Twaun Moore for Monday's game against the Heat.
The Heat have lost four straight and seven of eight while battling their own injuries. But Luol Deng, who missed time after getting scratched in the eye, will return against the Bulls, as will Beno Udrih. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Hassan Whiteside is out with his strained left hip and Goran Dragic is out with a strained left calf.
