Hinrich improving but status for tonight murky
Kirk Hinrich did not practice Tuesday, but did shoot around, according to Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. Hinrich has missed the past two games with a sore back and his status for today’s game in Houston is questionable at best.
“He’s feeling better. I don’t want to speculate by saying it looks good or it looks bad,” Thibodeau said at the Berto Center. “He’s better today. He did shooting today, which is a good sign.”
Thibodeau declined to name a starting point guard if Hinrich does not play against the Rockets, but newcomer D.J. Augustin is a strong favorite to get the nod.
Marquis Teague started at point guard in Hinrich’s place in the past two games. But Augustin started the third quarter on Monday against Orlando.
In the past two games, Augustin totaled 14 assists, compared to Teague’s 3. So with a few days to get used to a new team, it appears Augustin has already been chosen for an enhanced role. The 6-foot guard signed with the Bulls last Friday after being waived by Toronto.
“He’s smart, picks things up very quickly,” Thibodeau said of Augustin. “I think the fact that he’s been in the league for five years (and) has started before (helps). I think the big thing is not only learning the system, but learning his teammates. He’s very, very bright.”
Augustin hasn’t shot well since joining the Bulls (6-for-25), but he did score 14 points against Orlando, including a 3-pointer with just over a minute left that cut the deficit to 3 points.
Asik out for Houston:Former Bulls center Omer Asik hasn#146;t played in a game since Dec. 2. He#146;s listed with a thigh injury, but there are also rampant reports that he#146;s about to be traded.Houston signed Asik away from the Bulls in 2012, using an expensive offer sheet the Bulls declined to match. After Asik averaged 10.1 points and 11.7 rebounds last season, the Rockets signed Dwight Howard to be the starting center, pushing Asik back to the reserve role he wanted to escape by leaving the Bulls.#147;It#146;s sort of the nature of the league. He#146;ll be fine,#148; Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. #147;He#146;s done a great job with his career. He#146;s a pro. I#146;m sure he#146;ll figure it out.#148;Fourth quarter figured out:Before heading to Houston, forward Mike Dunleavy suggested a reason for optimism even though the Bulls are 3-11 in their last 14 games.#147;We said last night after the (loss to Orlando), we#146;re playing our best basketball in the fourth quarter,#148; he said. #147;That#146;s something to feel good about. Now let#146;s clean it up in the first three.#148;Bulls game dayHouston Rockets at the Toyota Center, 8:30 p.m.TV/Radio: WGN, ESPN/ ESPN 1000-AMUpdate: This will be a sad night for players from the 2011 Bulls. While the current Bulls are struggling without Derrick Rose, Houston C Omer Asik reportedly is on the verge of being traded. The Rockets signed Asik away from the Bulls in 2012, then replaced him with Dwight Howard. SG James Harden leads Houston at 24.7 ppg, while Howard is averaging 17.4 points and 13.2 rebounds. SF Chandler Parsons (17.0 ppg) has continued to improve. PG Jeremy Lin missed Sunday’s loss to Sacramento and is unlikely to face the Bulls.Next: Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena, 7 p.m. Thursday— Mike McGraw