Report: Jimmy Butler leaves arena on crutches after suffering knee injury
Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler left the Pepsi Center on crutches after suffering a sprained knee in Friday night's game against the Denver Nuggets, according to Matt Moore of CBSSports.
The team announced Butler will have an MRI on the knee Saturday in Minneapolis.
Butler sustained the injury after colliding with Joffrey Lauvergne of the Nuggets on a drive to the basket, landing awkwardly on his left knee. It appeared serious and Butler was tended to on the floor, but he took his free throws before leaving the game.
Butler is likely to sit Saturday against the Timberwolves, but could play as early as Monday, according to CSN's Vincent Goodwill, who said a source called the injury a hyperextended knee.
Rose said that Butler said he heard a pop in his knee. Bulls don't sound too concerned though. Hopeful it's just a sprain.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) February 6, 2016
The 6-foot-7 shooting guard has been integral to the Bulls' success this season, leading the team in points per game (22.4), steals per game (1.7), and minutes per game (37.9).