Rose out vs. Knicks with sprained ankle

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A game-time decision was just that for Derrick Rose and the Bulls before Tuesday nights game against the Knicks at the United Center, but even with time spent deliberating whether the All-Star point guard should battle through his latest injuryincluding evaluating as he warmed upcaution prevailed. Rose suffered a sprained right anklethe same injury inflicted upon him in last springs first-round playoff series against the Pacersin Sundays loss at New York, but wont get the opportunity to attempt to gain revenge alongside his teammates.

Hes going to warm up, Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said before the contest, in which C.J. Watson will start at point guard Well see where he is.

Rose reportedly arrived to the United Center wearing a walking boot, but looked spry during pregame warmups. However, while Rose voiced a desire to play in the second portion of the home-and-home series with the Knicks, a potential first-round playoff opponent, a source familiar with the situation told CSNChicago.com that Rose was advised to exercise caution and sit out Tuesdays game.

You just deal with it, said Thibodeau. Unfortunate, but we feel good about the guys that we do have.

Tuesday will mark the 23rd game the reigning league MVP has missed this season, following his brief return to the lineup Sunday after being sidelined for 12 consecutive games with a strained right groin. Prior to that, he missed time with lower back spasms and a left turf-toe injury.

From what our medical people are saying, theyre not related at all. Theyre all separate injuries. Sometimes you have that. Thats just the way it goes. You deal with it the best you can. Hes been very diligent with his rehab, so hopefully hell be back sooner, rather than later, Thibodeau explained.

Well, thats the challenge that we face now. hes missed well over 20 games. Rip has missed more, but as I said, we feel really good about our team. Weve dealt with it all season long. We feel great about our depth and so, well deal with it accordingly. Obviously we want to have everybody, but if were down people, our bench has been great.

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