ASS News » Bulls are hoping he can start stringing some games

(SportsNetwork.com) - Derrick Rose has been beset by injuries all season and the Chicago Bulls are hoping he can start stringing some games together soon. Rose is dealing with a tight hamstring and said if hes ready to go Friday against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden he will play. Rose is paying attention to his body, which has failed him in recent seasons and this one. The former NBA MVP left Tuesdays 114-109 loss at Denver with tightness in the muscle and Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau kept Rose out as a precaution because of the pace of the game. I wasnt moving the way I wanted to on the floor, Rose said. I came in and talked to Thibs and we both agreed on me sitting out. The Bulls trailed 31-21 after the first quarter and 56-49 at halftime. Chicago, which shot 42.7 percent and made just 7-of-21 3-pointers, came alive in the fourth quarter to no avail. Jimmy Butler scored 32 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Pau Gasol added 22 points and 11 boards for the Bulls, who did not have center Joakim Noah because of eye and knee issues. Noah and Rose were back at practice, and both players are probable. Noah is averaging 7.9 points and 9.2 rebounds. Forward Taj Gibson (ankle) has missed two straight games and could miss a third Friday, while guard Kirk Hinrich (chest bruise) is probable. The Bulls are 2-3 on their circus road trip, which comes to an end Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets. Boston will resume a three-game homestand and has lost four in a row at TD Garden. In Sundays 94-88 loss to Portland, Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger did their best with 19 points apiece, but the Celtics couldnt avoid their fifth loss in the last six tries. Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo scored 13 points for Boston, which posted just 16 points in the fourth quarter and is 2-5 as the host. San Antonio will visit Beantown on Sunday and perhaps Celtics rookie guard Marcus Smart could see action. Smart has been out since Nov. 7 with an ankle injury and was back at practice this week. The energetic and defensive-minded Smart could be available as soon as Friday or against the Spurs. Hes done his rehab diligently and hes done it well, Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. Hes stuck to the game plan as far as coming in here multiple times a day and going above and beyond. So hes doing what hes supposed to do, and this is the appropriate time frame (for his return). The Celtics defeated the Bulls, 106-101, on Nov. 8 this season and Evan Turner led seven players in double figures with 19 points. Rose did not play in that game, but both Gasol and Noah did, combining for 32 points and 20 boards. Chicago lost nine of the past 13 games at Boston. Fake Jerseys From China . The turf is scheduled to give way to actual grass that is bright green, so we dont have to complain any more—we just have to wait a few years. Instead, do feel free to complain if the roof is closed for any reason other than to allow a game to be played. Fake Jerseys .Y. - Phil Varone was the lone scorer in the shootout as the Rochester Americans edged the Toronto Marlies 3-2 on Sunday in American Hockey League action. http://www.fakejersey.com/ . Right-hander Todd Redmond took the loss. Jose Bautista hit his second home run of the spring. Here are a handful of tidbits from around camp: Hutchison impressive The Blue Jays are being cautious when talking about their young arms but internally, excitement is building over the way Drew Hutchison is looking and performing this spring. Fake Jerseys Online . -- Alex Anthopoulos spoke volumes with what he didnt say on right-hander Ervin Santana. Fake Jerseys Free Shipping .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. ' ' '