Shortly before the Chicago Bulls took the court to face the Houston Rockets on Friday night, the team announced that leading scorer Jimmy Butler would not play due to a right heel contusion.
The announcement came a few minutes after coach Fred Hoiberg said everyone was ready to go as the Bulls made their second stop of a six-game road trip. Butler was on the court for warmups before word came down that he would not play.
At halftime, the Rockets led 60-49. James Harden led all scorers with 14 points — including four three-pointers — for the Rockets. Michael Carter-Williams, who started in place of Butler, led the Bulls with 11 points
A source said Butler’s heel injury is not serious and the veteran guard tried to warm up but couldn’t go. He should be day to day.
Butler was walking gingerly following the Bulls’ 128-100 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night after tweaking the foot during the fourth quarter.
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