C.J.

Watson

Lucas earns honors as the recommended spot play going forward, as C.J. Watson (0-for-8 FGs, one point, three assists, 27 minutes) just hasn’t been right lately. Unfortunately, betting on either of them is going to be a bit of a crapshoot while Derrick Rose (groin) is out.

At the morning shootaround, Rose admitted that he hasn’t run or shot in days. We wouldn’t expect to see him until Saturday at the earliest. Talented backup C.J. Watson has averaged 13.6 points, 4.5 assists, 2.0 3-pointers and 1.3 steals in 11 starts this season.

Rose’s groin has been a real issue and owners battling for playoff spots have to be feeling the heat. Fortunately for Chicago, the Bulls have gone 6-2 during this stretch, maintaining the top spot in the east. Rose has begun running but there’s still no clear return date. C.J. Watson will continue starting in his stead.

He’d been solid in Rose’s absence but just couldn’t get on track against Atlanta. He was thoroughly outplayed by Jeff Teague but the Bulls picked up the victory. Watson should be a good play on Friday if Rose is unable to suit up.

Windhorst cited reports from Chicago media, but we haven’t seen anything to suggest that Rose’s status has been determined one way or the other. He’s officially listed as a game-time call, with C.J. Watson sitting behind him in the wings if Rose can’t play.

Contrary to previous occasions, Tom Thibodeau was rather forthcoming and optimistic when discussing Rose’s availability. “I’m an optimist, I think it’ll be good,” said Thibodeau. Rose is reportedly making good progress, but he’ll have to receive clearance from trainers before owners can feel good about using him. Expect at least one more update before tipoff on Thursday night.

The injury appeared to be non-contact (Rose may have banged knees with Spencer Hawes) and he was in serious pain, all of which leaves the Bulls’ victory feeling very hollow. Tom Thibodeau will be endlessly second-guessed if this is sidelines Rose for any length of time, as Rose was hurt with a 12-point lead and just over one minute remaining. Stay tuned for updates on the health of the reigning MVP.

It’s not a given that Rose will miss any games, yet, but we’re rather pessimistic after watching replays of the injury, coupled with his reaction and the need for an immediate MRI. Watson has played well in relief of Rose all year, as has backup PG John Lucas (who picked up a DNP-CD tonight).

Details are sketchy, MRI results aren’t known, and we’re still awaiting confirmation from Bulls’ writers. This was first circulated by @NBCMiami (which has since admitted it was ‘premature’), but CSN writer John Finger did write, “Word around the United Center press room: Torn ACL & MCL for Derrick Rose.” TNT cameras also caught Rose telling a trainer, “I felt something ‘pop’.” The Bulls have proven their resiliency all season, but if true this could be a death blow for their championship aspirations. C.J. Watson and John Lucas are waiting in the wings.

This is a punch to the gut for Bulls fans, or really anyone who cares about the NBA. Rose simply couldn’t stay healthy this year and although the temptation is reasonable, nobody should be pointing fingers at Tom Thibodeau for leaving his starters in the game with a double-digit lead and 80 seconds remaining. Thibodeau noted that Philly was making a late run and he wanted his team to both stop their momentum and practice closing out meaningful games. In any case, Chicago will soldier on with C.J. Watson starting at PG and John Lucas absorbing backup minutes.