National Basketball Association

Bulls G Hinrich out with sprained thumb

Published Dec. 1, 2009 1:08 a.m. ET

foxsports

"It's part of those things you can't control. As soon as Kirk feels like he's able and healthy and there's not a high risk of re-injuring that where he's out a long time, he'll be back," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said on Monday night before Chicago took on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

Hinrich said he wanted to return as soon as the end of this week, but hasn't been able to grip the ball effectively with the hand.

He was examined Monday by Bulls head team physician Dr. Brian Cole and hand specialists Dr. John Fernandez and Dr. Marc Cohen of Midwest Orthopedics at Rush University. Their examination confirmed the earlier diagnosis of a left thumb sprain.

"The guys are going to have to play a little bit extra minutes, probably. (We'll) use the bench as best we can," Del Negro said. "There's no easy answer to it."

Hinrich missed the Bulls game last week at Utah. Last season he was out for 31 games after tearing a ligament in his right thumb.

Hinrich has appeared in 13 games this season, averaging 8.9 points and 4.3 assists.