Bulls expect to be at full strength post-break with Butler, Hinrich returning

The Chicago Bulls haven't had a clean bill of health this season, but any time they've managed to trot out a full roster, they've been every bit as good as the championship contender they were projected to be.

Now, thanks to the extended All-Star break, the Bulls are set to begin the unofficial second half at full strength. Both swingman Jimmy Butler and point guard Kirk Hinrich went through a full, Tom Thibodeau-approved practice Wednesday, and are expected to play against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Hinrich missed the three games before the break with turf toe. He drew a handful of starts at shooting guard during the prolonged absence of Mike Dunleavy, but with Dunleavy also back healthy, Hinrich will likely come off the bench.

Butler, the Bulls' leading scorer at 20.4 points, suffered a shoulder strain in the team's penultimate pre-break game against the Orlando Magic, and sat out their final game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He managed to suit up for his first All-Star game on Sunday, but played a game-low nine minutes.

The Bulls are 13-3 this season when all their starters are healthy.