Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson still doubtful vs. Pistons tonight

Bulls guard Derrick Rose (elbow) and forward Taj Gibson (fractured ribs) are doubtful for tonight’s game against the Pistons, coach Fred Hoiberg said Saturday.

Rose played just 12 minutes in the Bulls’ victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night because of elbow soreness. He could barely use his left arm, if at all, when he was playing. He also was hampered by the injury in the Bulls’ victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday nght, when Rose scored eight points on 4-of-15 shooting.

Rose participated on a limited basis in the team’s shootaround at the Advocate Center on Saturday morning and was expected to undergo treatment prior to the game. But “as of right now, his status hasn’t changed much from the other night.”

According to Hoiberg, an MRI showed “something on the bursa sac that’s got swelling and causing the pain in that elbow.”

Hoiberg said Rose’s effectiveness is a bigger concern than the risk of aggravating the elbow injury.

“That’s been the dilemma the last couple of games,” Hoiberg said. “He wanted to try to keep going the other night, but he just didn’t have much effectiveness without being able to use his left hand, which is really his dominant hand when he’s driving the ball and finishing around the basket. So it’s tough with Derrick out with that type of situation.”

Gibson was at home in New York on Saturday dealing with a personal matter, Hoiberg said. The Bulls won’t know his exact status until he returns and can warm up before the game.

“He’s trying to work his way back to Chicago right now. We’ll make a decision [on his status for Saturday night’s game] when he gets back here.”

The Bulls (38-37) are one game behind the Pacers (39-36) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and 1 1/2 games behind the Pistons (40-36), who are in the seventh spot. The Bulls have won two consecutive games after a four-game losing streak.