National Basketball Association

Rose 'more than likely' back vs. Knicks

Published Apr. 7, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose said he would "more than likely" return from a groin injury for Sunday's game against the Knicks in New York.

The reigning league MVP has missed the past 12 games, the longest absence of his four-year career. He practiced fully Saturday and said he "felt good out there."

"My groin is not bothering me," Rose said. "I'm happy to move on. My spirits are up."

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said only that Rose was "very close" to a return, but that the team was optimistic about Sunday.

"It's really not up to [Thibodeau]. It's up to me," Rose added. "If I'm feeling good, I'm going to play. If I think I need some more days, I'm going to take some more days. More than likely I'll be out there."

According to the Chicago Tribune, however, a decision on Rose's return would be a collaborative one between the player, the training and medical staff and management.

Thibodeau also said that Rose would have restricted playing time once he did come back.

"We'll see where he is," Thibodeau said. "He has missed quite a bit of time. Probably shorter minutes initially, but we'll see where his conditioning is, how he's feeling. The important thing is we want to be smart about it."

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