Rip Hamilton Sidelined With Groin Injury

Read More: Richard Hamilton (G - CHI), Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls were without free agent acquisition Richard Hamilton Tuesday night against one of the NBA's hottest teams, the Atlanta Hawks. Hamilton, who's averaging 12 points per game, is suffering from a groin injury, and he missed the Bulls' last game against the Memphis Grizzlies, a 104-64 win.

Hamilton was brought over from Detroit this offseason to replace the offensively challenged Keith Bogans in the starting lineup, keeping backup Ronnie Brewer in his role as a spark plug and one-man fast break coming off the bench. Though he hasn't been terribly efficient — he's shooting just 43 percent on the season — he commands more defensive attention than Bogans and is a good spot-up shooter, both things the Bulls need to take pressure off the reigning MVP Derrick Rose.

Hamilton's injury isn't considered very serious yet, so consider him day-to-day for now.

For more on Hamilton's status and the Bulls, visit Blog A Bull.