Derrick Rose's surgery could take place next week

PHILADELPHIA – The surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in guard Derrick Rose’s left knee has yet to be scheduled, but it could take place next week.

Rose is going through “prehab,” which consists of reducing swelling and fluid while strengthening supporting muscles that hopefully will allow him to recover from surgery quicker.

Rose injured his knee late in Game 1 and has been told the timetable for his recovery is approximately eight months.

“No decisions have been made,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We’re just texting right now.”

Rip still an option

Don’t read too much into guard Rip Hamilton sitting out the fourth quarter of the first two games. Swingman Kyle Korver scored 11 points in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and the Bulls had a big lead. The Bulls had fallen so far behind after the third quarter of Game 2 that Thibodeau went searching for different combinations.

“The hard thing with Rip has been he missed so much time during the season,” Thibodeau said. “When he came back the last time, we tried to keep his minutes at a number where we felt like we weren’t risking anything. Kyle has played very well all season. That group is used to finishing games. He could find himself out there. He just has to keep playing well.”

Iguodala better

Sixers forward Andre Iguodala was limping noticeably after Game 2 because of a strained Achilles tendon but felt better before Game 3.

“Two days has helped me out a lot,” Iguodala said. “It may not seem like a lot of time, but I got a lot of treatment yesterday and feel like I have a whole new leg today.”

This and that

Forward Luol Deng said the torn ligament in his left wrist is not bothering him. “It’s fine,” he said.

â—† Sixers coach and former Bulls coach Doug Collins on keeping his team loose: “I learned a long time ago from Michael Jordan that greatness doesn’t fear consequence.”

â—† Game 5 on Tuesday night at the United Center will tip off at 8:30.