Bulls' Hinrich to return after 5-game absence

The Chicago Bulls are set to welcome back Kirk Hinrich for Thursday's clash against the Denver Nuggets. 

Hinrich participated in a team shootaround Thursday and said he would be playing in the Bulls' home contest at the United Center, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. The backup point guard missed five games with a left hamstring strain. 

Chicago went 4-1 during Hinrich's absence, losing to the Brooklyn Nets in its last contest to snap a seven-game winning streak. 

Hinrich has struggled with his shot more than usual this season, shooting a career-low 36.5 percent from the field while converting on 70 percent of his free throws. He'll take averages of 7.6 points and 3.3 assists into Thursday's game. 

The Nuggets enter as losers of two straight.