Derrick Rose Out Against Pistons, While Kirk Hinrich Is Questionable
(CBS) Bulls reserve guard Kirk Hinrich is listed as questionable with a hyperextended left knee for Friday's home game against the Pistons. That's a measure of good news for Chicago, as the sight of Hinrich's injury in Wednesday's loss at Milwaukee was ugly.
As expected, point guard Derrick Rose will be out as he continues rehab from a partial meniscectomy on his right knee on Feb. 27. Rose did take full contact in Thursday's practice, the third time this week he's done so.
"He's making progress," Thibodeau said of Rose.
The biggest challenge for Rose now is regaining his conditioning, Thibodeau said.
"That's the big thing," Thibodeau said. "It's different. it's body on body, the physicality of it. He's got to get used to that, getting around screens and things of that nature. The more he does it, the better he'll get."
Friday marks five weeks since Rose's surgery. The Bulls gave him a recovery timeframe of four to six weeks, so he's right in the middle of it. When Rose does return, Thibodeau confirmed his playing time would initially so he can come back at a gradual pace.
"Anyone's who's missed that amount of time, that's the normal protocol," Thibodeau said. "We'll see once he's ready to go, then we'll decide how much. He's got to play well when he's out there too. You can't leave him out there if he's not playing well."
Rose is averaging 18.4 points per game this season on 41 percent shooting. He's played in 46 of Chicago's 75 games.
Rookie wing Doug McDermott is also listed as questionable for Friday as he continues to deal with back soreness. McDermott took contact in Friday's practice, Thibodeau said.
