Bulls waiting to hear just how bad the Mike Dunleavy setback will be

The Tony Snell-Doug McDermott combo at the small forward spot suddenly might have some staying power.

The Bulls are expected to find out later this afternoon how bad the setback was for injured veteran Mike Dunleavy, after the 35-year-old complained of back soreness over the weekend.

Dunleavy had been rehabbing from late September back surgery, and was making progress in possible a mid-December return. That could all be put on hold now.

“Mike is going to get seen this afternoon by the doctor and then we should have an update shortly after that,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said after the Monday morning shootaround. “I don’t want to read anything into it right now. He’s a little bit sore. We’ll wait and see what the doctor says, get everybody together and see what’s going to happen not only for the immediate future but for down the road as well.’’

With Dunleavy still on the shelf that means the Bulls will continue to count heavily on Snell as the starter in that small forward spot and McDermott coming off the bench.

As far as the other injured bodies, Aaron Brooks (hamstring) and Kirk Hinrich (hip pointer) were both expected to miss the game with San Antonio.