Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose finally returned to action on Sunday against the New York Knicks after missing 12 straight games with a groin injury, but he tweaked his ankle during that 100-99 loss and his status is now in doubt for the rematch on Tuesday night. The reigning MVP looked rusty at Madison Square Garden this past weekend, and his 8-26 shooting performance with eight turnovers cast doubt on him being at 100 percent anyways, but K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Rose wore a walking boot on Monday and is a game-time decision for Tuesday's home game against Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks:
Rose, for starters, tweaked an ankle at some point in Sunday's game, which he finished. The extent of the injury is unknown, however sources said Rose wore a walking boot on Monday and his availability for Tuesday's shot at redemption against the Knicks is a game-time decision.
With a two-game lead on the Miami Heat for the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, the Bulls could certainly afford to rest Rose down the stretch if they needed to do so. However, the real concern is that their star guard has had trouble staying on the court for any extended period of time this season. He has missed 22 games due to a litany of health issues, including turf toe, a back injury, a groin pull and now perhaps an ankle ailment.
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