Bulls point guard Derrick Rose cleared for fourth-quarter minutes
In the latest step of Derrick Rose's latest comeback, the Chicago Bulls point guard will play added fourth-quarter minutes beginning Saturday against the Sixers.
In his first two games back from a torn meniscus, Rose logged around 20 minutes in back-to-backs against the Magic and Heat. The Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson reported that Rose, "upbeat," asked the team for more playing time leading into the playoffs.
"I want to," Rose said of playing in the fourth quarters. "It seems like they're fun games. But it's out of my hands."
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed Rose will have a "fourth segment" against Philadelphia on Saturday, adding that Rose "felt great." Reports indicate the former MVP is expected to log between 24-28 minutes.
The Tribune also reported that minutes restrictions on both Rose and center Joakim Noah will be lifted for the playoffs.
In other Bulls injury news, Jimmy Butler (calf) has been cleared for tonight's game after sitting out on Thursday.
Chicago sits fourth in the Eastern Conference at 47-32 with three games remaining. Toronto, also 47-32, holds the third seed and a tiebreaker over the Bulls.
• MAHONEY: Rose still searching for role in latest return
- Jeremy Woo
