Barring an unexpected setback, Rose said he will return Sunday against the Knicks from the groininjury that sidelined him for the 12th straight time Thursday night.
"I'm dying to play, but we're being smart," Rose said. "I guess a couple of more days rest will be good for me."
Rose again participated fully in Thursday's morning shootaround and worked out before Thursday's game. He admitted to still feeling a little discomfort, saying he's "not able to run at full speed." When he does return, that will change.
"I'm not going to hold back at all," Rose said. "My game is to be aggressive and try to get people going."
Rose said he is "a little bit" concerned about reinjuring the groin.
"But every day it's improving, the less I think about it," he said. "I'm running more, feeling better. I know it will be different if it's a game-type experience."
Rose said he isn't concerned about being affected by the injury during what could be a long playoff run for the Bulls.
"I should be fine," Rose said. "Taking all this rust off with all the other injuries I had, being nicked up. They're gone. The only thing I'm worried about is my groin."
Coach Tom Thibodeau said the opponent didn't factor into the decision to sit Rose.
"If he's healthy and can play, he'll play," Thibodeau said. "If he's not, he will not play. We just have to be smart about it. You're cautious because of where you are in the season too. He has to be healthy. We're not going to rush him back just to have him back."
Familiar face: The Bulls signed guard Mike Jamesfor the remainder of the season. It's James' fourth stint and would have happened even if Rose and C.J. Watson were fully healthy, sources said.
"We liked what he brought to our team before," Thibodeau said. "He gives us the flexibility to play two point guards. He has size, veteran experience. He knows what we're doing, is good insurance."
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