Derrick Rose is a game-time decision on Thursday when the New York Knicks visit the Chicago Bulls. Although he missed the morning shoot-around, Rose said his sore neck won't sideline him for the game, the Chicago Tribune reports.
One game into the season and Rose is already feeling the effects of missing an entire season of basketball. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed Rose is a game-time decision because of a stiff neck, according to CBS Sports.
Rose played 34 minutes in Wednesday's 107-95 loss to the Miami Heat. He was 4-of-15 from the floor for 12 points and four rebounds. Although his body is sore from his return, Rose insisted his surgically-repaired knee isn't an issue.
"I don't know what play did or whatever. My body just has to get used to playing," Rose said on Thursday, via K.C. Johnson of The Tribune. "My knee is good. It's just my neck. ...
"I've been getting treatment the last couple of days, even this morning. It's just getting my blood going."
Rose was adamant about playing in the Bulls' home opener on Thursday. When asked about his status for the game, he answered: "Oh hell yeah, for sure I'm going to play tonight."
Thibodeau told reporters that Rose was "just nicked up a little," but the coach wouldn't specify where other than saying Rose's "body."
The 2011 NBA MVP is expected to need time for his body to readapt to the speed of a regular season game. While it may take time for Rose to return to MVP form, Chicago fans are anxious to see Rose take the court again at the United Center.
"When he comes out Thursday, it's going to be real inspirational," Bulls forward Taj Gibson said earlier in the week, via NBA.com. "I know he's meant a lot to the city of Chicago, being from there. People love him. I felt it even when he didn't play last year. Because he's a hometown kid. It's rare you get a No. 1 overall pick superstar playing for the hometown team."
