Jimmy Butler playing through sore knee Friday

It takes more than a knock on the knee to keep an All-Star down.

Despite banging his left knee Thursday, Chicago Bulls first-time All-Star Jimmy Butler will be in the lineup to take on the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

Butler was able to play 49 minutes in the team's double-overtime loss Thursday, and head coach Tom Thibodeau isn't exactly known for managing minutes conservatively. Even on the second night of a back-to-back, Butler will probably see ample run as the Bulls look to right an unsteady ship.

Chicago had a pair of marquee victories last week but have once again tumbled since, as they've now lost eight of their last 13 games. Butler's perimeter defense should go a long way in keeping the Suns up-tempo, guard-heavy attack in check. He should also help pick up some of the scoring burden that has appeared too heavy for the struggling Derrick Rose of late.

In 44 games, Butler is averaging 20.4 points, six rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals, posting a career-best 21.2 player efficiency rating that ranks 23rd in the league. That efficiency extends further than most, too, as Butler leads the league in total minutes despite missing four games, clocking in at 39.7 per night.