National Basketball Association

Bulls' Butler has strained left knee, no ligament damage

Published Feb. 6, 2016 8:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Chicago Bulls are breathing a sigh of relief after an MRI exam revealed that All-Star guard Jimmy Butler has a strained left knee and no ligament damage.

Butler was injured Friday night against the Denver Nuggets and needed to be wheeled off the court in the second quarter. Coach Fred Hoiberg says the team initially feared he could be lost for an extended period of time, but the MRI on Saturday showed only a strain.

Butler flew back to Chicago and will not play at Charlotte on Monday night. Hoiberg says the team will have a better idea of how long Butler will be out after team doctors examine him on Sunday.

Hoiberg says the team has not yet ruled out Butler playing in the All-Star Game in Toronto next weekend.