Jimmy Butler's left knee injury may not be as severe as it seems.
The Bulls shooting guard and small forward landed awkwardly Friday night during the team's 115-110 loss to the Nuggets, but the injury is reportedly only a hyperextension, CSN Chicago reported. Butler could be back in the lineup as early as Monday.
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After Butler's fall, he took two free throw shots and then was carted off the court. The Bulls initially called the injury a sprain and said Butler would have MRI testing done Saturday.
For Chicago, it would be a huge relief if Butler only missed the matchup against the Timberwolves Saturday. Butler is also only eight days away from competing in his second NBA All-Star game.
Butler has been the Bulls' most consistent player, averaging 22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 45.8 percent this season.