Bulls' Hinrich out for Game 6 against Nets because of bruised left calf

CHICAGO — Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich will miss Thursday's playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets because of a bruised left calf.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said before the game that the veteran guard would miss his second straight game, a big blow for a team trying to close out this first-round series.

Chicago took a 3-2 lead into the game.

The Bulls' Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and Nate Robinson were also battling flu-like symptoms and were game-time decisions.

Chicago Bulls' Kirk Hinrich (12) celebrates a 3-point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half in Game 4 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series Saturday, April 27, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)

Thibodeau said Deng and Gibson were "feeling a little better" after staying home Wednesday and missing practice. He also said Robinson has been ill for a while.

The Nets' Reggie Evans is also dealing with flu symptoms.

Hinrich's injury and the illnesses are just the latest blows for a team that's been short-handed all season.

"Everyone's feeling under the weather," Thibodeau said. "You just deal with it. You want to use it as an excuse, you can. Preferably, we don't. We get out there and get the job done."

Thibodeau had some positive news about Joakim Noah, who's been battling plantar fasciitis in his right foot: "He actually was very good today."

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