Bulls' Del Negro optimistic he'll have healthy team soon

The Bulls are stuck in a seven-game losing streak and will tackle another tough week with a short-handed roster.

Following Sunday's practice at the Berto Center, though, coach Vinny Del Negro offered an optimistic view of the near-future.

"We've had some tough things happen to us," Del Negro said. "Luckily, nothing's major. There's some hope we can get everyone back here in the next 4 days, 5 days, a week - I don't know what it is yet. But as soon as we can get everyone together, we can get on the same page quickly again and get back to playing the way we're capable of."

Getting everyone back together means the return of Derrick Rose (sprained left wrist), Luol Deng (right calf strain) and Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis, left foot). Rose seems likely to be ready for Tuesday's game at Memphis. Deng is doubtful until at least later in the week, while there might be some encouraging news on Noah.

The injured center ran a little early in Sunday's practice and finished the session on the zero-gravity treadmill. The Bulls' original plan was to shut Noah down for three weeks, which would keep him inactive through March 24.

"As soon as possible is the answer, but we have to be smart about it," Del Negro said. "We'll just have to monitor him, see how he feels (Monday). Then if he's feeling fine, we'll give him a little bit more. If he's not, that won't be a very good sign. He didn't do much today, he just got up and down a little bit without any contact."

Hinrich suspended: Coach Vinny Del Negro disagreed with the league's decision to suspend guard Kirk Hinrich for one game. The veteran guard will sit out Tuesday's visit to Memphis.

Hinrich received two technicals for arguing a foul call with 4:58 left in the fourth quarter of Friday's loss to Miami. During the debate, he walked behind referee Bennie Adams, then made contact when the official stopped.

"I didn't think it was called for," Del Negro said. "You have to go with what the league says. It's unfortunate, especially with the bodies we have right now, but it's out of your control and you move forward."

Hinrich shared the explanation he gave to a league official.

"I was just following him," he said. "I was still upset. He turned and stuck his elbow out and kind of bumped into me. I realized I better leave. I'm just disappointed. Anytime you have to miss time when you're healthy, it's frustrating."

Deng still recovering: According to coach Vinny Del Negro, Luol Deng tried some light running on Sunday, but struggled with the right calf strain that has already caused him to miss two games.

The coach was asked if there's much chance Deng will play on the upcoming trip to Memphis and Dallas.

"He really couldn't push off very well," Del Negro said. "Unless there's a big increase overnight, probably not."