Bulls guard Derrick Rose wants to return before playoffs begin

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Point guard Derrick Rose can’t explain why he has suffered so many injuries, but he said Wednesday that sitting out the last four regular-season games to ensure he’s healthy when the playoffs begin is not an option he’s considering.

“I want to play as soon as possible,” Rose said. “I just want to get out there, man. I miss the game.”

Rose missed his 25th game with his fifth different injury when he was ruled out against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Forward Luol Deng also missed his second consecutive game with sore ribs.

They suffered their injuries in the game Sunday against the Detroit Pistons, and the status for both Thursday against the Miami Heat will be game-time decisions.

“It’s not the actual bone; it’s the tendons around my ankle that have fluid on them,” Rose said. “That fluid causes pain. Right now, I’m just waiting for the fluid to move around. We’re trying to get it out as quick as possible. I should be all right.”

Rose said he felt pain walking to the locker room after the Pistons game. When he took off his shoe, the pain was throbbing.

With four games left in the regular season, Rose was asked if he expected to be limited when the postseason begins.

“I’m not thinking that way,” he said. “If you put things into the universe, they come true. I’m just trying to stay focused, stay happy, stay positive, keep my spirits up. Hopefully, I’ll be healthy in the playoffs.”

Rose missed a combined six games his first three seasons.

He said his teammates have gone out of their way to make sure he still feels like part of the team.

“That’s the only thing that has changed,” he said when asked if the condensed schedule has contributed to his injuries. “How I worked out was the same even though I ran more than I usually did in the past. I really don’t now what to blame it on.”

Prepping for playoffs

Teams usually have a few days to prepare for their first-round playoff series. Not this year.

The regular season ends April 26, and the playoffs begin April 28.

“Last year, we won our last nine going in,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We hit the ground running. This year, it’s a different season entirely.

‘‘You don’t have nearly as much practice time, not nearly as much rest, and you’re not going to have nearly as much time to prepare when you’re Âgoing into the playoffs. Basically, it’s one day and you’re playing. We’re going to have to be ready when it comes.”