Butler won't play vs. Knicks; return unclear

Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler is out for tonight's opening game against Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. When he'll return from a sprained left thumb remains unclear.

Speaking to reporters in New York at the morning shootaround, Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau initially said the new timetable for Butler's return was 2 to 4 weeks, according to a Twitter post by Nick Friedell of ESPN.com. Butler's injury occurred Oct. 19, so he's already been out 10 days.

With his thumb wrapped, Butler later told reporters he still hopes to play in Friday's home opener against Cleveland, and he considers it a day-to-day decision.

Veteran guard Kirk Hinrich is the likely candidate to start in Butler's place. Hinrich started the final two games of preseason.

With Butler out, the Bulls could give more minutes to rookie Doug McDermott. Swingman Tony Snell may also get a chance to impress Thibodeau.