Luol Deng will sit out his third straight game with a right hamstring injury.
Jimmy Butler will get the start.
Hes done a good job, coach Tom Thibodeau said of Butler. Hes the next man up, go in there get the job done. Bring energy, defense, toughness, execute on offense, hit open shots and run the floor.
The second-year forward has impressed teammates with his play and hes been feeding off of the confidence theyve helped instill in him.
His defense on Grizzlies Rudy Gay and Lakers Kobe Bryant drew praise from both opponents and his teammates.
When he gets out there he plays like he supposed to be out there and thats a good thing, said Richard Hamilton.
Butler has averaged 14 points (on 39.1 percent shooting), 8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2 steals in 45.4 minutes per night in his two starts in Dengs absence.