Bulls, Hoiberg Exercising Caution In Preseason Opener

(CBS) The Bulls will be without five rotation regulars when they open their preseason slate Tuesday.

In addition to Derrick Rose (orbital fracture) and Mike Dunleavy (back) dealing with longer-term injuries, the Bulls will rest Pau Gasol, Kirk Hinrich and Taj Gibson against the Bucks at the United Center, coach Fred Hoiberg said. Gasol's absence is a planned rest day, while Hinrich is dealing with a minor toe injury and Gibson is still working his way back into top health after having offseason ankle surgery.

Gibson is expected to return to game action in the Bulls' third or fourth preseason contest, Hoiberg said. Chicago's third contest is at Minnesota on Saturday night, then a Monday home game awaits against New Orleans.

E'Twaun Moore, Jimmy Butler, Tony Snell, Nikola Mirotic and Joakim Noah will start for Chicago, Hoiberg said.

With Rose currently under doctor's instructions to lay low in his house because he's sensitive to light after surgery on an orbital fracture last week, Hoiberg planned to visit his point guard Monday afternoon and perhaps again Wednesday morning to watch film and discuss the team's new system. Rose is expected to be able to return to observe practice after the Bulls return Saturday night from a road trip. Rose won't join the Bulls on the road.

"He's champing at the bit to get back here," Hoiberg said.