Chicago
Bulls

News: Hinrich (calf) isn't expected to require surgery on his ailing calf, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Impact: Hinrich's injury is believed to be nothing more than a painful bruise rather than any sort of structural issue, so surgery appears off the table for now. With a full offseason to recover now that the Bulls have been eliminated from the playoffs, Hinrich should be fine for the start of training camp.

News: Coach Tom Thibodeau said Rose (knee) will "be ready to go next year," the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Despite the ongoing speculation of his status throughout the year, Rose ended up sitting out all of the 2012-13 season, as he ultimately lacked full confidence in his surgically repaired left knee. A full offseason and slate of preseason games should help Rose regain his mojo for next season.

News: Robinson, who injured his left shoulder in the Bulls' previous game, played 47 minutes Wednesday night in Chicago's loss to Miami in Game 5 of their playoff series.
Impact: The loss eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs, ending what has been a pretty successful season for Robinson, who averaged 13.1 points per game. When Kirk Hinrich hurt his calf in the playoffs, Robinson filled in and averaged just under 40 minutes per game in eight playoff starts.

News: Rose (knee) will not suit up for Wednesday's Game 5 at Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: As expected, Rose will not make an appearance in the 2012-13 season and postseason just more than a year removed from surgery to repair a torn left ACL. He can now focus on regaining confidence in the knee and stabilizing his mindset heading into next season.

News: Hinrich (calf) will not take the court for Wednesday's Game 5 in Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Hinrich is out for the eighth tilt in a row due to a left calf contusion. Nevertheless, the Heat appear poised to put away the Bulls, so his offseason will likely begin in short order.

News: Deng (illness) did not travel with the Bulls and will miss Wednesday's Game 5 at Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: The absence marks Deng's seventh consecutive in what will likely be the Bulls' final contest of the season. It's unfortunate that a random illness derailed his postseason as well as Chicago's attempts to pull a massive upset over Miami, but he'll look to regain strength as the offseason progresses.

News: Robinson injured his left shoulder during Monday's Game 4 loss to Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Robinson was dreadful Monday, missing all 12 field-goal attempts, including five from three-point range, en route to zero points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block in 32 minutes. The Heat appear poised to put the battered Bulls out of their misery during Game 5 on Wednesday back in Miami, but Robinson should be out there to put his best foot forward, however futile that pursuit may be.

News: Hamilton played 22 minutes in Game 4 Monday against the Heat and scored 11 points to go along with four assists, two three-pointers and one steal.
Impact: Hamilton logged significant minutes for the first time in the playoffs Monday as he was pressed into duty when Marco Belinelli found himself in foul trouble early. Hamilton may see increased minutes again in Game 5 Wednesday as the Bulls will try anything possible to extend the series.

News: Robinson had a dreadful performance in Game 4 Monday against the Heat as he was held scoreless on 0-for-12 shooting from the field. He was able to contribute four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
Impact: Robinson couldn't get anything to fall Monday and looked tired. The heavy minutes he has logged in the playoffs may have finally caught up with him. If the Bulls are going to have any chance of extending the series, they'll need Robinson to get back to his scoring ways in Game 5 Wednesday.

News: Boozer posted a double-double in Game 4 Monday against the Heat as he scored 14 points to go along with 12 rebounds, three steals and one assist.
Impact: Boozer had solid counting stats Monday, but he was only 3-for-14 from the field as the Bulls struggled mightily offensively. Boozer will need to put up a better performance Wednesday in Game 5 if the Bulls are going to extend the series.

News: The Chicago Bulls officially ruled out Rose for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday.
Impact: Rose has been sidelined all season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the playoffs last year.

News: Deng (illness) is active for Monday's Game 4 against Miami but is still unlikely to play, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Impact: Deng may just be active as insurance for an emergency scenario, but even if he doesn't play, this is a positive sign for his chances to return in Game 5.

News: Hinrich (calf) will most likely remain out for Monday's Game 4 versus Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Thus, Hinrich will miss his seventh consecutive contest as a result of a left calf contusion. In his absence, the dynamic Nate Robinson will again take on point guard duties for the Bulls.

News: Deng (illness) will almost certainly remain out for Monday's Game 4 against Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: After practicing in an extremely limited basis Sunday, Deng will of course miss his sixth game in a row following his recent illness, which has resulted in 15 pounds of weight loss and perpetual headaches. His absence will keep Jimmy Butler at small forward and Marco Belinelli manning shooting guard in the Bulls' starting five.

News: Hinrich (calf) was a limited participant in Sunday's practice, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Hinrich has sat out the past six contests with a contusion on his left calf, and his prospects for taking the court for Monday's Game 4 versus Miami have not changed much. His likely absence will allow Nate Robinson to continue manning the point.

News: Deng (illness) returned to practice Sunday, albeit on a limited basis, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Deng was only able to participate minimally, so his prospects for Monday's Game 4 against Miami are certainly not encouraging. He has missed five outings in a row due to his illness, and if his headaches continue to linger, it is not a stretch that he'll miss the entirety of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

News: Belinelli had 16 points (5-13 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-4 FT) with six assists Friday in the loss to the Heat. He fouled out after 43 minutes.
Impact: Belinelli hit more than half of the Bulls' 3-pointers. The veteran shooting guard has hit 14 3-pointers in his last five playoff games.

News: Robinson scored 17 points (5-13 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 6-8 FT) with six rebounds and seven assists in the loss to the Heat on Friday.
Impact: Robinson hit his share of circus shots, but was able to knock down inspirational 3-pointers. He did a very nice job of setting up his teammates.

News: Noah provided 15 points (6-12 FG, 3-5 FT) and 11 rebounds in the loss to Miami on Saturday. He also had four assists, two steals, and two blocks before fouling out after 42 minutes.
Impact: Noah is averaging 13.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in the series, but may be one of the few players in the league that demonstrably makes his teammates better.

News: Butler played all 48 minutes Friday in the loss to the Heat. He scored 17 points (6-12 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT) with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Impact: Butler bothered LeBron James into a poor shooting game and provided a nice amount of offense. The small forward who is signed for a very reasonable rate for the next three years. He could be a major bargain for the Bulls.

News: Boozer scored 21 points (10-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT) with four rebounds in the loss to Miami on Friday.
Impact: Boozer was the only Bull starter to play fewer than 42 minutes. He is not a strong defender and got in some foul trouble. Boozer could split more time with Taj Gibson in future games.

News: Rose won't play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Miami on Friday.
Impact: Coach Tom Thibodeau silenced the rumors that Rose could return Friday at the team's morning shootaround.

News: The NBA has fined Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson $25,000 for an outburst at a referee in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Miami. The league announced the fine Friday.
Impact: The Heat were well on their way to a 115-78 victory when Gibson went off at an official early in the fourth quarter. With 10:13 remaining, he did not leave the court in a timely fashion after he and teammate Joakim Noah were ejected by referee Scott Foster. Gibson continued to shout at Foster. The Bulls were called for six technicals during that game and Miami three. The game was the most lopsided postseason win for Miami and the biggest playoff loss for Chicago.

News: Gibson was fined $25,000 for "verbal abuse of an official" during Game 2 and is not suspended for Game 3 on Friday.
Impact: Although Gibson was not projected to be suspended for Game 3, this still comes as a break for the Bulls, who are currently struggling to put together a starting lineup with Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose all out for Game 3. Expect Gibson to continue being a major fantasy producer for the Bulls.

News: Deng (illness) is out for Friday's Game 3 against the Heat, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Deng did not participate in Friday morning's shootaround and remains day-to-day with an illness.

News: Hinrich (calf) is out for Friday's Game 3 against the Heat, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Hinrich's second MRI showed the same results as the first. He was unable to participate in Friday morning's shootaround, and his calf injury does not appear to improving. He remains day-to-day.

News: Deng, who is feeling better, said on Thursday that he has lost about 15 pounds from the flu and effects from the spinal tap to detect spinal meningitis, ESPN Chicago reports.
Impact: Deng went on to add that he is unsure if or when he will be able to return to action. He is listed as doubtful for Game 3, but that is just as formality as he will not play.

News: Gibson is not expected to receive a suspension for failing to leave the court in a timely manor after his ejection Wednesday but may be fined, Fox Sports reports.
Impact: Gibson's fate hasn't been officially announced, but this report is good news if you're planning on using him in a daily game.

News: Radmanovic (back) played 10 minutes off the bench in the Bulls' blowout loss to the Heat in Game 2 Wednesday. He finished with nine points (3-3 3Pt), one assist, and two steals.
Impact: Radmanovic hadn't played in a game since Apr. 9 since he was out dealing with a bad back and was left out of the rotation upon his return. It's very likely we won't see him get any more run in these playoffs, but he may have earned himself some spot minutes with his efficient performance Wednesday.

News: Rose's (knee) status hasn't changed, likely keeping him out for Friday's Game 3, ESPN Chicago reports.
Impact: Despite a report earlier in the week suggesting Rose could make his long-awaited return for Game 3, coach Tom Thibodeau has quashed such talk entirely. Given all the double-talk that has taken place with Rose this season, it appears we'll simply have to believe it when we see it before truly feeling comfortable that he'll be playing.

News: Deng (illness) is doubtful for Friday's Game 3 against the Heat, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Coach Tom Thibodeau said Deng is improving and considers him day-to-day.

News: Hinrich (calf) is doubtful for Friday's Game 3 against the Heat, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Hinrich will undergo a second MRI on his bruised left calf Thursday, which will determine whether or not the injury is a tear. He missed Thursday morning's shootaround, and coach Tom Thibodeau said the point guard "has a ways to go," so it would be surprising if he suited up by Friday.

News: Gibson could be suspended for Friday's Game 3 against the Heat, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Gibson was ejected from Wednesday's game and will undoubtedly be fined. His chances of being suspended are small, but he's not out of the water yet. Teammate Joakim Noah also faces the small possibility of a one-game suspension.

News: Noah was ejected from Wednesday night's loss to Miami after picking up two technical fouls.
Impact: It was a whistle-heavy officiating crew that handed out nine technical fouls. Noah finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal in the loss.

News: Butler, who played every minute of the past three games, played 31 minutes Wednesday night in Chicago's loss to Miami in Game 2 of their playoff series.
Impact: Injuries have forced head coach Tom Thibodeau to rely heavily on Butler of late. He finished with nine points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal in the loss.

News: Deng (illness) was able to fit in some shooting Tuesday and "walking around" Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Deng will miss his fourth consecutive game Wednesday due to his illness and subsequent setbacks, which resulted in a lengthy hospital stay. Still, his Bulls teammates were able to rally, finishing off the Nets in the first round and taking Game 1 from the Heat. He will likely participate in Thursday's practice in some capacity, but his status heading into Friday's Game 3 back in Chicago is definitely murky.

News: Hinrich (calf) will not take the court for Wednesday's Game 2 at Miami.
Impact: As expected, Hinrich will not be a part of an ailing Bulls' backcourt, missing his fifth game in a row. In his stead, Nate Robinson will continue to do Nate Robinson things for Chicago.

News: Deng (illness) will remain in Chicago on Wednesday, as the Bulls take on the Heat in Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: Coach Tom Thibodeau said that Deng, who is improving by the day, will join the Bulls when they return home for Game 3 on Friday. Deng is now considered day-to-day, but his potential activity level in practice in the interim will forecast his availability Friday. If he is unable to take the court, Jimmy Butler will again man the three, with Marco Belinelli entering the starting five at shooting guard.

News: Rose (knee) might dress for Friday's Game 3, HoopsWorld reports.
Impact: No other major news outlet has reported anything about this story, yet. It's suggested that Rose would suit up to appease the Bulls' home crowd in Game 3, and this might simply be a clever motivational tactic like the one the Warriors used in bringing back David Lee (hip) in Game 6 of their series against the Nuggets. Ultimately, Rose's return seems unlikely.

News: Deng (illness) has been released from the hospital but is unlikely to join the Bulls in Miami on Tuesday.
Impact: Deng's health has improved, but it appears unlikely that he'll be able to travel to Miami in time for Wednesday's Game 2. The more likely scenario is his appearance in Game 3 on Friday back in Chicago, but that could be delayed if headaches continue to linger during his recovery. Ultimately, the murky nature of Deng's health leaves open all possibilities regarding his potential return.

News: Hinrich (calf) is considered doubtful for Wednesday's Game 2 in Miami, ESPN Chicago reports.
Impact: Hinrich continues to work his way back from a bruised left calf, which has held him out of the Bulls' last four playoff tilts. The notorious Nate Robinson will man the point, as long as Hinrich is sidelined.

News: Hinrich, who continues to receive treatment on his bruised left calf, is in danger of sitting out Wednesday's Game 2 at Miami, the Chicago Tribune reports. Coach Tom Thibodeau said, "It's slow, steady progress. But he's still not there."
Impact: While he is growing closer to a return, Hinrich appears poised to sit out his fifth game in a row as a result of the ailment. Luckily, Nate Robinson has been gutsy, taking on much of the scoring load for the Bulls, so Hinrich's absence has been alleviated somewhat. Continue to consider Hinrich day-to-day.

News: Deng is in danger of missing Wednesday's Game 2 at Miami, as he remains in the hospital due to the effects of a recent spinal tap, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Impact: The procedure was required in order to test for viral meningitis, which was returned negative. On Sunday, though, an MRI was performed to examine the residual effects, as Deng was experiencing migraine headaches and disorientation. He will almost likely miss Wednesday's contest, though there is hope that he'll recover enough to take the court for Game 3 on Friday back in Chicago. Consider his situation subject to changes, whether positive or negative, with Deng's health.

News: Belinelli has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture in the fourth quarter of a 99-93 victory at Brooklyn in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series.
Impact: Belinelli made the gesture as he made his way back down the court after connecting on a 3-pointer that gave Chicago a 91-81 lead with 4:52 left in Saturday night's game.

News: Gibson played almost 25 minutes in Game 1 Monday against the Heat and scored 12 points to go along with four rebounds, one assist and one block.
Impact: The Bulls went with Gibson for much of the second half as Carlos Boozer was largely ineffective. Gibson is a versatile defender and he showed it Monday as he spent part of the fourth quarter guarding Ray Allen. Gibson could see extended minutes in the series if Boozer continues to struggle.

News: Noah (foot) posted another double-double in Game 1 Monday against the Heat as he scored 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block.
Impact: Noah played 39 minutes Monday and his minute restrictions appear to be a thing of the past. His energy and offensive rebounding were key Monday and the Bulls will continue to rely on him to be their leader on the court.

News: Robinson excelled in Game 1 Monday against the Heat as he scored 27 points to go along with nine assists, three rebounds, three three-pointers and one steal.
Impact: Robinson played just under 41 minutes Monday and probably would have logged even more minutes had he not had to leave the game in the second quarter to get stitches to his cut upper lip. Robinson has been an offensive force for the Bulls in the playoffs and they will continue to rely on his offensive punch as the series progresses.

News: Butler posted a double-double in Game 1 Monday against the Heat as he scored 21 points to go along with 14 rebounds, three assists, two three-pointers and one block.
Impact: Butler has been a horse for the Bulls as he has played all 48 minutes in each of their last three games while guarding the opponents best offensive players. Look for the Bulls to ride Butler heavily again in Game 2.

News: The Chicago Bulls will be without the ailing Luol Deng for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday.
Impact: Deng will likely sit out his sixth in a row as he recovers from a spinal tap after an illness that left him hospitalized and caused him to lose 15 pounds. He had tried to work out Saturday and wound up vomiting. He attempted to practice on Sunday and became ill during warmups, forcing him to stop.