National Basketball Association

Hinrich may not play in series opener

Published Apr. 30, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Atlanta Hawks starting point guard Kirk Hinrich was rated doubtful Saturday to face the Bulls when the second-round playoff series tips off Monday in Chicago.

Hinrich left Philips Arena in a wheelchair Thursday night after injuring his right leg in the fourth quarter of the Game 6 series-clinching win over the Orlando Magic.

He underwent an MRI test Friday, which revealed a significantly strained hamstring, the Chicago Sun Times reported. It left him unlikely for the opening game at United Center.

The ex-Bulls guard was receiving support from his former teammate Joakim Noah, who said, "I hope he's healthy ... Kirky's a hell of a competitor."

Luol Deng was more wary, though, saying, "We love Kirk, but we know he's coming here trying to beat us."

The Bulls were more hopeful that power forward Carlos Boozer would be ready for Monday.

The starter was recovering from turf toe, caused by a bending of the big toe during Tuesday's series-clinching win over the Indiana Pacers, but coach Tom Thibodeau said he was "thinking that he will be able to (play)."