Jimmy Butler returns to action vs. Nuggets, Pau Gasol out

After sitting out Wednesday's 107-102 win over the Sacramento Kings, Jimmy Butler will return to the lineup on Friday night when the Chicago Bulls face the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center.

He suffered the injury on Monday against the Utah Jazz.

Butler is averaging a career-high 22.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists for the 27-21 Bulls. He'll be a reserve for the Eastern Conference All-Star team in Toronto on Feb. 14.

Meanwhile, veteran center Pau Gasol will miss his third game of the season with a left hand sprain.

Cameron Bairstow will start at the five-spot in his stead.

Chicago's last win in Denver came 11 years ago on Feb. 8, 2006.