Derrick Rose Should Play In Game 4

Added on Apr 25, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

An MRI and X-rays both came up negative on Derrick Rose’s injured left ankle, which should allow him to play in Game 4 on Tuesday night. Rose hurt the ankle in the first quarter of Saturday’s loss to Indiana, but managed to stay on the floor for 43 minutes. He was in a walking boot yesterday and is being listed as questionable. He will also get a pain-killing injection prior to tip-off.

Rose was a one-man wrecking crew in Games 1 and 2, scoring 75 points and dishing 14 assists. However, his offensive numbers dipped in the last two games, hitting only 10 of 40 shots from the field. If he does take the court tomorrow, it’s safe to say he won’t be 100%, which means Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng will need to be more aggressive with the ball versus a feisty Pacers team.

The Bulls have the size advantage inside, but are relying too much on three-pointers. They went 3-20 from beyond the arc in Game 4 and converted zero fast break points. A gimpy Rose probably won’t help those stats in Game 5; his speed and ability to cut is what separates him from ordinary point guards. That being said, he clearly gives them the best chance to win, even on one leg.

Indiana’s three losses in the series have been by a combined 15 points, but the Bulls are 4-0 against them at the United Center this season.

Source: ESPN.com