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Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are “most likely out” for Monday’s Game 4 against the Miami Heat. In the tight-lipped coach’s world, that translates to out. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Injuries 

The Tribune has reported for days that both players’ availability for the remainder of the series is doubtful. And Deng’s comments on Sunday, in which he revealed he still is experiencing headaches or vomiting when he exerts himself, underscore that. Hinrich still has yet to run on his severely bruised left calf since Game 4 of the Bulls’ first-round series against the Nets. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Injuries 

For the second straight day, Thibodeau wouldn’t comment on the $35,000 fine he received from the NBA for criticizing officials following Game 3. The Bulls will be without Hinrich, Deng and Derrick Rose but will return Nazr Mohammed, who won’t receive any further league discipline after getting ejected from Game 3 for shoving LeBron James. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Nazr Mohammed, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

"I don't care," Spoelstra said when the issue of Thibodeau's comments was broached after his team's Sunday practice at the University of Illinois-Chicago. "I don't spend a lot time thinking about Tom is saying. I don't. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Erik Spoelstra 

As with the moments with James and Wade that have become less frequent, Chalmers said he did not take umbrage. "That was a conversation Chris and I were having and we were trying to figure out something," he said. "I wasn't worried about what Joakim was doing." Of Noah's clapping, Bosh said, "Of course I was aware of it, but that just goes in there with all the other distractions that I don't pay attention to. At that time, me and 'Rio were working things out. "Playoffs bring out the monster in you sometimes." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Joakim Noah 

Moments after the Bulls coach called Luol Deng "day to day" and left Deng's Game 4 availability open because "hopefully, with another 24 hours he's better," Deng painted a graver picture. "I did some individual work (Saturday) and I started throwing up a little bit. I couldn't finish the workout," Deng said. "I tried to practice (Sunday) and the same thing. I just warmed up and couldn't get through practice. My body, my system is not reacting well to anything I'm doing right now." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Injuries 

Indeed, Deng continues to sound doubtful for the remainder of the series, even though he admitted he talked to Thibodeau about giving "five or 10 minutes or whatever to give these guys a little break." Deng's illness and subsequent serious complications from a spinal tap that necessitated a blood patch to heal have created a long recovery road. "It's not as bad as it was before," Deng said. "But I can't even get through a regular warm-up." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Injuries 

Despite erroneous reports that he was set to dress for Game 3, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, the former league MVP won’t return to the court in the series, something Thibodeau is aware of. CSN Chicago

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

However, at the outset of the second round, Rose did strongly consider coming back, but ultimately decided against it, another source said. CSN Chicago

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

Ethan J. Skolnick: Spoelstra: "I don't spend a lot of time thinking about what Tom is saying." Twitter @EthanJSkolnick

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Tom Thibodeau, Erik Spoelstra 

There will be no fine or suspension coming Bulls center for Nazr Mohammed following his Game 3 ejection on Friday night. "I’m trying to move on from that," Mohammed said. "I think I talked pretty long and I waited for you guys and kind of explained everything the other night. I don’t want to keep dragging it on, dragging it on. I mean, I think I covered everything." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Nazr Mohammed 

Mike McGraw: I'd say there's no chance Deng plays in Game 4, but Thibs called him day-to-day. Lu said he'd play 5-10 mins if he could. Twitter @McGrawDHBulls

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Injuries 

Ethan J. Skolnick: Tom Thibodeau has been fined $35,000 for his comments about officiating following the Game 3 loss to the Heat. Twitter @EthanJSkolnick

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau 

KC Johnson: The NBA announced Thibodeau's fine just after Bulls' access. According to a Bulls spokesman, Thibodeau had no comment, is focused on Gm 4. Twitter @KCJHoop

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau 

KC Johnson: Thibodeau said Deng and Hinrich are day-to-day. Neither practiced much. #Bulls Twitter @KCJHoop

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Injuries 

A few minutes later, Chicago forward Carlos Boozer had finished complaining about a noncall inside when James dribbled into the Miami forecourt. Mohammed tried to grab James to prevent a transition basket. James extended an arm to create space and sent Mohammed tumbling to the floor. “I seen him hawking me down for a long time, and I seen him come with one of those club fouls, which was unnecessary,” James said. “I basically just tried to protect myself, stand my ground.” New York Times

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Carlos Boozer, Nazr Mohammed 

James reacted to the technical with disbelief, pointing his index fingers at his chest as if to say, who, me? That is when Mohammed went after him. James said that no opponent had ever shoved him as hard or as far. “It definitely surprised me that he pushed me like that,” James said. New York Times

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Nazr Mohammed 

Mohammed said he'd be "shocked" if his shove of the Heat's LeBron James that led to Mohammed's second- quarter ejection Friday draws a suspension. The Bulls felt James embellished Mohammed's shove, with Thibodeau even calling it a flop. "Nazr is a quiet guy. My father always told me the quiet ones are who you have to worry about," Nate Robinson said of Mohammed's toughness. "I wouldn't put it past Nazr to move him out. Nazr is a great guy." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Nate Robinson, Nazr Mohammed 

The playoff series between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat has been more physical than usual, but this play makes no sense. After wrapping LeBron James up and drawing a technical foul on LeBron, veteran Bulls forward Nazr Mohammed shoved James to the ground. Mohammed was subsequently tossed, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. For The Win

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Nazr Mohammed, Referees 

Tim Bontemps: LeBron on why he didn't come back at Nazr after push: "If I get kicked out and Nazr Mohammed gets kicked out at the same time, who wins?" Twitter @TimBontemps

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Nazr Mohammed, Referees