The Chicago Bulls (25-7) may be without their star point guard for another game as Derrick Rose continues to come back from his lower back spasm. The reigning MVP took part in practice on Friday, and head coach Tom Thibodeau increased his participation for the first time in a while, according to the Chicago Tribune:

"Derrick did some shooting and is feeling better," Thibodeau said. "We’ll see how he is (Saturday.) We watched film, did very little drill work, some shooting and ran through some things. It wasn’t a regular practice. But this is the first time he’s done more activity."

The Bulls have played four games with Rose, and have compiled a 3-1 record in his absence. Chicago currently leads the NBA with a 25-7 record, and has done so without the help of SG Richard Hamilton, the main free agent acquisition of the brief 2011-12 NBA offseason, who has played only 11 games this season.

Hamilton has been struggling with a strained left groin and a bruised right thigh. The Tribune reports he "worked intensively" with assistant coach Ron Adams, and the 33-year-old veteran should return sometime near the All-Star Game, but is out for Saturday night's game.

The Bulls take on the New Jersey Nets (8-23) this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CST.

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