Deng, Butler still not practicing with Bulls
There was no definitive news Monday on the Bulls’ injuries.
Luol Deng shot around but did not participate in practice. He missed Saturday’s loss to Detroit with a sore left Achilles.
“He’s improved. I don’t want to speculate,” coach Tom Thibodeau said of Deng’s status. “We’ll see where he is (Tuesday). He says he’s feeling a lot better.”
Jimmy Butler also did some shooting but no practice. He hasn’t played since Nov. 18 because of a turf-toe injury on his right foot. There’s a chance he could return during the upcoming stretch of four games in five nights.
“Jimmy is improved. (He) didn’t practice but did some shooting and is moving a lot better. Jimmy is probably at 75 to 80 percent right now,” Thibodeau said. “(He has to) get some conditioning and see where he is the next day and the next.”
Point guard Mike James did return to practice after being sidelined for roughly a week with a knee sprain.
Three the easy way:Detroit hit 12 of 19 shots from 3-point range Saturday at the United Center, continuing a season-long trend.The Bulls currently rank 29th in the NBA in 3-point defense. Opponents are shooting 40.3 from behind the arc against the Bulls. Brooklyn is last at 41.3 percent.#147;It#146;s the scramble 3. it#146;s the transition 3 #151; those are the things you have to eliminate,#148; coach Tom Thibodeau said. #147;The initial part of our defense, I think, has been very, very good. It#146;s the finish of our defense, particularly the scramble three. The long rebound we have to get to quicker.#148;The Bulls have been outscored by 135 points this season at the 3-point line, with opponents making 45 more baskets.#147;There have been an unbelievable amount of times there#146;s been a loose ball, a team picked it up and hit a 3 against us,#148; Kirk Hinrich said. #147;It#146;s just one of those things. We work on it every day and hopefully we#146;ll get that down.#148;Bucks banged up:The Bulls are not the only team with injury issues. Milwaukee found out Monday center Zaza Pachulia will miss four weeks with a fractured right foot. The Bucks already were missing center Larry Sanders (thumb), forward Caron Butler (knee) and guard Gary Neal (foot).Milwaukee (4-16) is starting John Henson at center and now expects Miroslav Raduljica to play more backup minutes.