Chicago Bulls shooting guard Rip Hamilton is expected to play on Saturday night, according to head coach Tom Thibodeau. Hamilton has missed the Bulls past 12 games after suffering an ankle injury on Dec. 4.

Here is what Thibodeau had to say, via ESPN Chicago:

"He went through shootaround, everything is good so far. If there aren't any problems, he'll go."

If Hamilton were to return, it would be a big addition to a Bulls club which is 15-12 overall and one game behind the Indiana Pacers in the Central Division standings. Hamilton played in 15 games earlier this season for the Bulls and averaged 13.9 points in 27 minutes of action a night. The Bulls are just 7-5 since Hamilton was injured.

And in addition to Hamilton, Thibodeau also announced that forward Luol Deng is expected Saturday night as well. Deng tweaked his ankle during a Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets.

Hamilton, Deng and the Bulls will take on the Washington Wizards at the United Center on Saturday evening.

Game time is set for 7 p.m. CT and can be seen locally on WGN.