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UPDATE (4/22) - Mirotic is officially OUT for Thursday's game.
As Chicago awaited yet another agonizing update regarding a knee injury, the news could definitely be worse. Here's Tom Thibodeau's update on Nikola Mirotic:
Thibs says it's going to be a few days for Mirotic. Doesn't want to put timeline on it. But sounds very unlikely for Game 3.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 21, 2015
Thibs says Mirotic does not have a concussion.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 21, 2015
Obviously the good news is that Mirotic doesn't seem to be lost for the long term. The play on which the injury occurred was a contact injury and that's actually a good thing when it comes to knees. Non-contact knee injuries generally have much greater likelihood of substantial ligament damage. Also, Mirotic does not have a concussion. Another good thing. Then again, Mike Dunleavy was listed as 'day-to-day' earlier in the season and he missed a month.
Basically, there should be zero rush to get Mirotic back on the court versus the Bucks. The plan should be to have him ready by Game 1 in the second round.
Of course, all news is not good news:
Thibs sound optimistic that Hinrich may be able to play in Game 3.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 21, 2015
Losing Mirotic and gaining Kirk Hinrich? Ugh.