Jimmy Butler Out 3-6 Weeks With Left Elbow Injury
(CBS) The already short-handed Bulls have suffered another big injury blow.
All-Star Jimmy Butler will miss three to six weeks after suffering a left elbow injury Sunday, the team announced. Butler suffered a grade 2/3 ulnar ligament sprain and small bone impaction injury to the left elbow. The silver lining is Butler won't need surgery, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
The playoffs begin April 18. Three weeks from today would be March 23. Six weeks from today would be April 13, so it is expected that Butler can return in time for the postseason.
Thibodeau is expected to update reporters further on Butler's condition later Monday afternoon when practice ends.
The loss of Butler comes just days after point guard Derrick Rose underwent surgery for a tear in his right medial meniscus. Rose is expected sometime between late March and mid-April, prior to the start of the playoffs. Forward Taj Gibson also missed Sunday's game with a left ankle sprain and could be out for a longer stretch.
The Bulls will need others to step up offensively, as Butler is the team's leading scorer at 20.2 points per game. Rose is the second-leading scorer at 18.4 points, and Gibson is fourth at 10.6 points.
The Bulls (37-23) are third in the East and host the Wizards on Tuesday.
