< p>NEW YORK (AP) — Guard Kirk Hinrich has returned to Chicago to have his right elbow examined, and the Bulls also played without center Joakim Noah and forward Carlos Boozer when they faced the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.

Hinrich has been hampered by injuries for much of the season. He is averaging 7.0 points in 40 games.

He started Chicago's 104-88 victory at Milwaukee on Wednesday and finished with six points in 32½ minutes.

The Bulls said Hinrich's status "will be determined once all medical information has been gathered."

Though the Bulls' notes said Noah had a right foot injury, coach Tom Thibodeau refused to specify before the game, calling it a "lower-body" injury. Pressed further, he said the All-Star was "nicked up."

Boozer has an injured right hamstring.

Taj Gibson and Nazr Mohammed started in the frontcourt along with Luol Deng, while Nate Robinson replaced Hinrich.