Derrick Rose "Feeling Better" After Sprained Ankle

Derrick Rose says that he feels confident that he will play in Game 5 of the Bulls' first round NBA Playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

"It feels totally different," said Rose, who sprained his ankle during the Bulls' loss to the Pacers in Game 4. "Where [Monday] it was a little stiff, today I've got more motion in it. I know the excitement from the game is going to make everything feel all right."

Rose did not participate in team practice but he was seen shooting some free throws on Tuesday.

"He's feeling better," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "We'll see how he is before the game. He didn't go through practice, but he's doing some shooting now."

Rose feels that with the excitement of the game, he will be able to play with his less-than-perfect ankle.

"I know when I'm out there, I'm not going to think about it. I'm just going to play the game, and I should be able to knock down some shots today," said Rose.

Rose also said that it's important for the Bulls to close out the series as soon as possible, if only so that they could rest more before the next round of the Playoffs, in which they will face either the Orlando Magic or the Atlanta Hawks.

"Definitely this game is big because it's our next game, but getting rest, it means a lot," Rose said. "We could definitely use it.

"It's very important [to get off to a strong start]. If anything, I think that if we come out tonight and be aggressive, I think that it should take care of everything. We haven't jumped on them yet, and when we did, we only were up four or six points. So I think if we get a nice cushion, we should be good."

(Sources: ESPN.com)

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