Carlos Boozer’s bruised toe was improved Saturday, but he did not practice with the Bulls. Coach Tom Thibodeau wouldn’t say Boozer will play when the Bulls open Round 2 of the playoffs against Atlanta Monday, but seems optimistic Boozer will be ready.
“He was better today, but he’s not quite ready to go yet,” Thibodeau said. “We just go day by day, we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. He’s doing his lifting, getting treatment, did a little bit of shooting.”
Derrick Rose expects to see the injured forward, also rode a stationary bike Saturday, in the lineup Monday night.
“For sure, he’s going to play,” Rose said, adding that Boozer remains confident despite a sub-par series vs. Indiana. “He’s Booz when he comes in. He’s talking, shooting the ball, doing his routine. Nothing’s changed.
“He’s going to be good,” Rose added. “He’s been looking at film, seeing how aggressive he was in some games. That’s all we’re telling him to do, be aggressive and just play his game. He’s been in this league long enough to be able get himself out of a little slump.”
