Jimmy Butler Returns Against Hornets, But Joakim Noah Sits
(CBS) Just as the Bulls get one starter back, they'll sit another one Monday against Hornets.
After missing the past 11 games with a hyper-extended left elbow, wing Jimmy Butler was listed in Chicago's starting lineup. However, big man Joakim Noah was a late scratch with what the team termed "general soreness." It's the second time in the past 12 days that Noah has sat with general soreness.
It will be Noah's 13th missed game of the season. He's dealt with nagging knee problems following offseason surgery, though he's noted lately that he feels as healthy as he has in a long time.
Taj Gibson is starting in Noah's place. It will be Gibson's third game back after a sprained ankle kept him out for an extended stretch.
Big man Cameron Bairstow was also ruled out of Monday's contest with an illness.
