Derrick Rose Set To Return Against Magic
(CBS) Bulls point guard Derrick Rose will return tonight for Chicago's game at Orlando barring a setback, coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters this morning.
It will be Rose's first action since a Feb. 27 partial meniscectomy in his right knee. He's missed the team's past 20 games. The Bulls went 10-10 in his latest absence.
"I've been busting my (butt) to get back," Rose said, according to the Tribune's K.C. Johnson.
Rose will be limited to around 20 minutes, the Sun-Times' Joe Cowley reported. Rose has averaged 31.0 minutes per game this season, often playing four segments of about eight minutes apiece.
Chicago plays at Miami on Thursday evening. Rose's status for that game will be determined by how he feels after tonight, but the Bulls haven't ruled him out yet. After this road trip, Chicago has three regular-season games left before the playoffs start April 18.
Rose is averaging 18.4 points per game. He's played in 46 of Chicago's 77 games this season.
Assuming Rose is a go, this will mark just the 20th time all season the Bulls have their starting lineup intact. They're 15-4 in the previous 19 games.
Chicago is 46-31, one game ahead of Toronto for the third seed in the East.
Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is a gametime decision with his hyperextended left knee, according to reports.
