Kirk Hinrich (hip) participated in most of Friday's practice, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hinrich (hip) participated in most of Friday's practice, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Analysis:

A left hip pointer has sidelined Hinrich for each of the Bulls' last two games, but his involvement in Friday's session bodes well for his availability for Saturday's tilt with the Hornets. Prior to suffering the injury, Hinrich appeared to rank ahead of E'Twaun Moore and Aaron Brooks as the Bulls' first point guard off the bench, but there's no telling if Hinrich will retain that distinction once he's cleared to take the court again.