When it comes to Rose’s injury status, well, not even the same book.
The team arrived at the Air Canada Centre Friday morning for shootaround with Rose declaring that if the strained right hamstring felt loose by the end of the shootaround and his jumper was pain-free he would be a go.
One problem: Thibodeau wasn’t even allowing him to participate in the shootaround.
“He’s a little better, but we’re going to hold him out of practice this morning, so we’ll see where he is,’’ Thibodeau said.
Asked if that meant Rose was in jeopardy of missing tonight’s game with the Raptors, Thibodeau responded, “Oh yeah, it’s unlikely, it’s unlikely, yeah.’’
That was news to Rose, who tweaked the hamstring in the final few minutes of the Monday win over Cleveland.
“It’s getting better,’’ Rose said. “I’m moving in the right direction and that’s all I can hope for. Go out here in shootaround, see what I can do and make a decision tonight.’’
The fact that the Bulls have a back-to-back with Indiana coming into the United Center Saturday night is a small thought in Rose’s head, but very small.
“You think about it, but at the same time, I’m not trying to miss any games because I’m just trying to get my rhythm back, so if I have any opportunity to play in this game, I don’t see why not,’’ Rose said.
As far as Thibodeau resting Rose for the Pacers, don’t even ask.
“No, every game is important,’’ Thibodeau said. “I think that’s misguided, that’s misguided when you approach it that way.’’
