National Basketball Association

Bulls G Jimmy Butler returns against Charlotte

Published Mar. 23, 2015 8:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHICAGO (AP) Bulls guard Jimmy Butler is back in the lineup after missing 11 games with a left elbow injury.

Butler was listed as questionable for Monday's game against Charlotte, but the All-Star got the start after going through warmups. He sprained his elbow on March 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Bulls went 5-6 while he was out.

While Butler returned to the court for Chicago, Joakim Noah was out due to general soreness. The 30-year-old center had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in May and has been subject to a minutes limit this season.

Noah, the reigning NBA defensive player of the year, is averaging 7.5 points and 9.9 rebounds.