Pregame Notes: Bulls (12-3) vs. Phoenix Suns (4-8)

By Nick Shepkowski -

(CBS) For the second night in a row and the third time in four games the Bulls will be without the reigning MVP in Derrick Rose.  Rose did not participate in the pre-game shoot around and Tom Thibideau addressed the situation shortly after that.

"You could say its a sprain or turf toe, there are some similarities between the two."

"He's sore, that's the bottom line so we just felt it was best to have him sit this one out."

CJ Watson will start in the Rose's place at point guard and Thibodeau and the Bulls hope to have Richard Hamilton back in the lineup tonight after battling a sore groin since last playing against in Detroit on January 4.

No word yet on how long Rose may potentially be out but Thibodeau added that Derrick is "usually a quick healer" and that the Bulls will see how he is after he receives his treatment.

As for Derrick being too upset in not being able to play tonight, Thibodeau stated "He's fine, he's going to do what's in the best interest of the team" and added that he had no regrets in playing Rose over the weekend.

Other Thibodeau Tidbits:

On Noah's confidence:  "Jo's fine, he's actually played well the last couple games prior to the Memphis game where we played poorly as a team."

"He's reacting to the ball a lot better and I'm expecting him to keep playing better."

On being back at the United Center:  "It's always good to be home but I think we've proven we can win on the road, too.  We have to do the necessary things to win."

On Steve Nash/Suns:  "He's an offense all in himself.  You can defend him perfectly and he'll still find a way to create a shot."

"They're a very dangerous team when they're healthy and they've had some injuries they've had to go through but they're a very tough team."