The Chicago Bulls still own the best record in the NBA at 42-13, but fans are starting to become restless with Derrick Rose's lingering groin injury. The good news is that Rose participated in practice on Wednesday and is starting to get back to running, but he still a game-time decision for Thursday's TNT matchup against Rajon Rondo and the surging Boston Celtics (30-23).

Bulls reporter K.C. Johnson caught up with Rose after practice on Wednesday, and even Rose was wary about promising a Thursday return:

"I felt good (practicing) but me playing (Thursday), I don't know," Rose said. "I was able to run a little bit more but not at my top speed. I really can't explain (the pain) unless you've had the injury.

"I'm running, able to move a little bit more. So I'm getting healthy. Taking three weeks off, my conditioning is definitely a worry. But in basketball, you should be able to fight through it."

"Usually people after they have it don't have it anymore," he said. "My biggest thing is coming back too quick and re-injuring it again."

It would be surprising if the Bulls pushed the envelope and rushed back Rose for a matchup against feisty Celtics PG Rajon Rondo, but he is officially a game-time decision. Here is the information you need to find Thursday's matchup:

Game time/date: Thursday, April 5, 2012, 8:30 PM CT

Location: United Center, Chicago, Ill.

TV: TNT

For more on this game, stay with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull and for more on the Celtics head over to Celtics Blog. For news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.