Nick Friedell, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Butler expected to play vs. Hornets

CHICAGO -- Jimmy Butler went through all of Monday's shootaround and is expected to make his return Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets after missing the past three weeks because of a left elbow injury.

Butler, who injured the elbow in a March 1 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, was expected to be out 3-6 weeks after an MRI confirmed the ligament sprain. But the All-Star swingman has been making good progress in his rehab and Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is hopeful that Butler will be able to play against the Hornets.

"We'll see when he warms up tonight but it looks like it could be a go," Thibodeau said.

Thibodeau also said that if Butler does play he will not be under any kind of minutes restriction.

"He's probably our best two-way player," Thibodeau said. "So any time you get a guy like that back it's going to help in all areas. It adds to the depth so it's good."

Butler, who was selected to the first All-Star Game of his career this season, is averaging 20.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

"It's very important to get our guys back," Bulls center Joakim Noah said. "Jimmy's a big part of what we're trying to do and we're really excited to have him back ... He's a tough-minded player who plays to win. I think everybody does on this team, but Jimmy's a hell of a talent and brings us toughness, which we need."

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