Report: Derrick Rose "Likely to Return" Sunday, Face Knicks

The Derrick Rose injury saga continues.

After missing the Chicago Bulls' thrilling win over the Boston Celtics, it appears Rose has had enough waiting for one season. When asked if he was close to returning from the groin injury that has the entire Bulls' nation in pain, Rose said everything Chicago fans wanted to hear.

According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Rose is "likely to return" on Sunday. Rose told reporters:

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"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."

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Fear not, Bulls fans, for Rose knows what he's doing. Rather than prematurely rushing back into play, he has opted to take the high road and fully recover before heading back out onto the floor for action. Coach Tom Thibodeau echoed the sentiment, standing his ground and showing no sign of being persuaded by his star point guard until the groin is fully healed.

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"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."

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For fans who have taken the "playoffs are more important than the regular season" approach, this is music to their ears. The recent signing of Mike James creates temporarily sufficient depth; losing Derrick Rose for the playoffs, however, would be disastrous.

Fortunately for Bulls fans, the wait for a healthy D-Rose won't be long.

It is not such a bad idea for Rose to return against New York. He scored 32 points and dished out 13 assists the last time he played at Madison Square Garden.