Rose's Back Improves, Could Play Today

By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 20, 2012 5:30PM

The Bulls have a 3 p.m. contest against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center and are looking to rebound from an embarrassing loss to the New Jersey Nets Saturday. This game has playoff seeding implications and all eyes are on Derrick Rose and his back spasms.

Rose practiced hard for the first time since the injury surfaced yesterday and, barring any setbacks, could be back on the court today. Coach Tom Thibodeau may opt to give his best player more rest with the All-Star break looming. The Bulls have a 7-3 record with Rose out of the lineup and it may be in the best interests of the team's playoff aspirations to keep Rose out until the All-Star Game. Thibodeau, however, said he's basing any decision on one thing:

“Whether it’s [Monday] or later, I’m not going to base it on anything other than him being ready to play, not the opponent, not the All-Star Game, not anything. If he’s cleared medically and is ready to play, he’ll play.”

Thibodeau said Rose looked explosive in practice, but the team only worked on their halfcourt offense yesterday, so whether Rose can handle running fullcourt is yet to be determined.