Bulls vs. Hawks Preview: Tom Thibodeau Under Fire for Overworking Derrick Rose

The Chicago Bulls look to extend their winning streak to seven games against a frustrated Atlanta team that has played an additional 20 minutes of overtime in the last two games.

At 7-1, and Derrick Rose playing like an MVP, the Hawks know they will have their work cut out for them. Rose is averaging 20 points and seven assists so far in only eight games.  He's maturing every game, relaxed, deferring to his teammates, but still confident that he can take over any game at any time.

When the two teams first met on January 3rd, Rose had half of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory with a clutch layup with nine seconds left in the game.  They won 76-74.  

With the schedule packed in like sardines, coach Tom Thibodeau is taking heat for leaving Derrick Rose and other starters in the game during non-critical situations.

Blog-A-Bull offered some words about the coach's minute management of Rose and Luol Deng in their blowout over the Detroit Pistons on January 9th.

"Derrick Rose played all but the final 1:13 of the second half. Luol Deng played the entire third quarter, as well as the first 5:28 of the fourth and another 4:11 after resting 1:28 for 21:39 of playing time in the second half of a game where the Bulls were up by as much as 20 and were never up by less than 11."

There's no question Thibodeau is an intense coach.  I can hear him shouting over thousands of people every game.  Winning is a compulsion with this man, and this may have consequences due to the exhausting schedule.  

Still, the Bulls are a deep team, and Derrick Rose, who is 23 years old and not even in his prime, never seems to get tired.  

I don't expect Thibodeau to change his tactics tonight against a scrappy Atlanta team that just came off an impressive overtime win against Charlotte last night.  Should be an exciting game.    

Game Notes:

Richard "Rip" Hamilton doubtful (groin)

Tip-off is at Phillips Arena at 7:00 p.m. ET