Kirk Hinrich's status remains uncertain for Bulls on road trip

Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau expressed optimism that guard Kirk Hinrich will play on Wednesday night when the Bulls head to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns.

"I know he's feeling a lot better, so we have to let him get out there. He did some out there yesterday and feels a lot better today," he continued. "It's always a game-time decision. A lot can happen between shootaround and the game. A guy gets treatment. You never know.

Hinrich strained his hip during the first half of Chicago's 87-80 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves last Saturday. The injury caused Hinrich to miss the second half of Chicago's game against Minnesota, as well as Chicago's 101-95 loss against the Boston Celtics.

Nate Robinson started in Hinrich's place against the Celtics and scored 11 points while dishing out seven assists in 30 minutes. Robinson was 3-of-7 shooting.

The 31-year-old Hinrich is averaging 5.7 points per game and 5.0 assists per game so far for the Bulls through six games.

Despite Thibodeau's mild optimism, Hinrich is considered a game-time decision, and Bulls fans and fantasy owners alike won't know until right around tip-off if Hinrich will play on Wednesday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT in Phoenix.