Bulls' Butler to return Saturday vs. Rockets

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler will make his return Saturday against the Houston Rockets, according to CSN Chicago's Vincent Goodwill.

Butler has missed the last 11 games due to a left knee strain, with Chicago going just 3-8 in his absence.

The 26-year-old will reportedly not be under a minutes restriction as he faces off against one of the NBA's elite shooting guards in James Harden.

Butler is averaging 22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in 2015-16, while shooting 45.8 percent from the floor. The Bulls defense has deteriorated without Butler this season, giving up 104 points per 100 possessions.

Sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, it's surely Chicago's hope that Butler's presence will be enough to get them back into the postseason.