Dr. James Andrews Confirms Bulls' Finding Of No Structural Knee Damage For Jimmy Butler

(CBS) Bulls star Jimmy Butler received good news Thursday from famed Dr. James Andrews as he sought a second opinion on his left knee troubles.

Following an evaluation of Butler in Pensacola, Florida, Andrews confirmed the Bulls' previous findings that Butler doesn't have any structural damage in his left knee. The swelling has also subsided, coach Fred Hoiberg said previously.

Butler resumed workouts Thursday and will return to game action when he feels comfortable. Butler's been ruled out of Thursday's contest at San Antonio, but he's not expected to have a long-term absence from here.

Butler has missed 13 of the past 15 games because of left knee problems. He missed a Feb. 3 contest with tendonitis, then suffered a left knee strain when landing awkwardly on Feb. 5 and missed the following 11 games. After returning Saturday to score 24 points in 34 minutes, Butler missed Monday's game because of left knee swelling that developed following Sunday's practice and during the day Monday.

Butler's averaging a team-high 22.4 points per game.