Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich day to day

Updated: May 12, 2013, 6:21 PM ET
By Nick Friedell |

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- The playing statuses of Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng and guard Kirk Hinrich have not been determined for Monday night's Game 4 against the Miami Heat and the duo remains day to day, coach Tom Thibodeau said Sunday.

Deng, who is ill, said he has vomited the past couple of days while trying to warm up with teammates.

"I'm OK," he said after Sunday's practice. "Just trying to get back into the rhythm of things. It's not as bad as it was before, just tried to practice [Saturday] or do some individual work, and I just started throwing up a little bit, couldn't finish the workout.

"Tried to practice with the team today and the same thing [happened]. It's just my body, my system, is not reacting well to anything I'm doing right now."

Deng, who said recently he has lost about 15 pounds due to complications he endured after a spinal tap, acknowledged he has only gained back about 2 pounds and is struggling to get his weight back up because it's been tough to eat solid foods.

As for Hinrich, it doesn't appear as if his left calf injury has improved much, either. He spent some time working on a treadmill in the back corner of the Berto Center with assistant trainer Jeff Tanaka, but it doesn't sound as if he has been able to run much at all since his initial injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Brooklyn Nets.

Thibodeau did not sound optimistic about the pair's chances to play.

"Lu did a little bit today, not much," Thibodeau said. "Kirk did a little bit more, so we'll see."

Thibdoeau said Hinrich was able to do some shooting and some bike work.

"That was about it," the veteran coach said.

The Bulls know that Hinrich and Deng's presence has been missed.

"Their leadership," Bulls center Joakim Noah said. "We miss Lu and Kirk a lot. But as players those aren't things that we can control. We hope they come back as soon as possible. Come back right, come back healthy.

"Obviously, everyone knows what those guys bring to the table. It's definitely a plus. It is what it is. You can't feel sorry for yourself. As a player you can only control what you can control and that's bring maximum energy and do what you got to do to help win the game."

Nick Friedell | email

Chicago Bulls beat reporter