Butler Back For Bulls, While Rose Is Probable With Bruised Hip
(CBS) Bulls wing Jimmy Butler has returned to the team following a one-game absence for bereavement leave, while point guard Derrick Rose has suffered a bruised hip and is probable to play Monday night against the Rockets, the team said.
Rose suffered the injury Saturday against the Celtics, according to the team. No one made mention of it after Saturday's game, and Rose didn't speak to reporters. In an encouraging sign, Rose did go through shootaround Monday morning.
Rose's health is always a hot-button topic after he played in just 10 games the past two seasons following two major knee injuries. Rose has played in 24 of 34 games this season, dealing with ankle sprains and a hamstring strain at different times.
Bulls wing Mike Dunleavy is a gametime decision to play as he deals with a right ankle that's "jammed," coach Tom Thibodeau said. Before missing Saturday's game, Dunleavy made it sound as if he could be out several contests, saying, "It's really not close right now."
The return of Butler is crucial, as he's Chicago's top perimeter defender and will likely draw the defensive assignment on Houston shooting guard James Harden, who leads the NBA in scoring at 27.2 points per game.