Game #19 - Bulls vs Nets - Game Thread

While Derrick Rose is telling people he plans to play on Monday, the Bulls are leaning toward being conservative with Luol Deng.

Deng underwent an MRI on his sprained left wrist Sunday, results of which were not immediately available. He said late Saturday he didn't think the injury would sideline him for a lengthy period.

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Taj Gibson also is expected to miss Monday's game with a sprained ankle, while John Lucas III has said he plans to return from his sore groin. And Joakim Noah will be a gametime decision with his sprained ankle.

Derrick Rose participated in Monday's entire shootaround and, as the Tribune reported late Sunday, plans to return from missing four games with a sprained big left toe.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said Joakim Noah and John Lucas III are gametime decisions but likely to play after missing Saturday's game with a sprained left ankle and sore left groin, respectively.

Luol Deng and Taj Gibson did not participate Monday morning and are out versus the Nets.

How it happened: Playing without Luol Deng (wrist) and Taj Gibson (ankle), the Bulls still easily rolled past the Nets. Rip Hamilton had 22 points and 10 assists, while Derrick Rose scored 22 points and dished out eight assists. Joakim Noah had one of his best games of the season, scoring 16 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

What it means: Even when two of their most important players are not on the floor, the Bulls have enough talent to beat teams on most nights. Rose played very well in his first game back in a week. He wasn't as explosive as usual, but he still made plays when the Bulls needed one. Hamilton continues to show that when he is in the lineup, he can be a difference maker. He is a terrific passer and he obviously enjoys being on the floor with Rose. Fans will surely wonder why he played 42 minutes on the night, though. Same goes for Rose who played 36 minutes.