Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (shoulder) wants to play in All-Star Game
Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler told ESPN's Nick Friedell he wants to play in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.
Butler has been day-to-day with a strained shoulder and missed Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was selected to the first All-Star Game of his career this season.
"I don't want to miss an All-Star Game," he said.
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Butler told Friedell that he is confident he won't have any issues with his shoulder following the league's All-Star break. Chicago's next game is on Feb. 20 against the Detroit Pistons.
The 25-year-old is averaging 20.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals this season. He leads the league in minutes per game, averaging 39.3, and is currently averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists and free throw percentage.
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The Bulls enter the All-Star break with a 34-20 record, good for third place in the Eastern Conference.
- Molly Geary
