Nick Friedell, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Jimmy Butler (thumb) a game-time decision

CHICAGO -- Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler (sprained left thumb) went through Friday morning's shootaround and is a game-time decision Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"He practiced (Thursday), (he's) a little better today, we'll see where he is tonight," coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Butler injured the thumb in an Oct. 19 preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets and has not played since, including Wednesday night's regular-season opener against the New York Knicks.

The status of a possible extension with the Bulls is up in the air, too. ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported Thursday night that Butler was one of several players not expected to ink a deal by the Friday's midnight deadline for contract extensions for first-round picks from the Class of 2011. Butler would become a restricted free agent at season's end if an extension is not completed.

If Butler doesn't start, veteran Kirk Hinrich is expected to in his place again.

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