Early on Friday Derrick Rose was still in a walking boot to combat the turf toe that sidelined him earlier this week. He told ESPN’s Ric Bucher that even though he was still on the mend, he would be participating in the Chicago Bulls game against the Boston Celtics tonight. He was able to take part in some of the team’s shootaround in the morning which means he will officially be a game-time decision.
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said that they would see how Rose was feeling tonight after warming up. Thibodeau noted that Rose has always been a fast healer, but they would not push him to play and risk further injury.
In his three full seasons in the NBA Rose has only sat out of seven games and only once has he missed consecutive games. His longest stint on the bench was four games in March 2010 after spraining his wrist.
Mike James was called up from the D-League to replace Rose in the game. CJ Watson and Rip Hamilton will likely miss the game on Friday night as well.
By Pete Iodice
