After eight preseason games, the Bulls finally tip off the 44th season in franchise history
"We're ready to play," coach Vinny Del Negro said following the morning shootaround. "The Spurs are really good. I'll limit Derrick's minutes a little just depending on the flow of the game and the situation."
Asked if 20-25 minutes seemed the right number for Rose, Del Negro said "hopefully more." Whatever it is, it won't be anywhere near the 37 minutes he averaged his rookie season.
Rose, who hasn't played since Oct. 2 because of an inflamed tendon behind his right ankle, said he's ready for whatever role.
"I'm just going to play my regular game I played the whole summer--attack, get people open, shoot if I'm open," Rose said. "My ankle is feeling good. Every day, it's improving. So I'm ready to roll."
The Spurs blew out New Orleans Wednesday night in San Antonio and no player logged more than 29 minutes. So a back-to-back game won't be a big deal to the Spurs.
"They were in control of the game," Del Negro said. "There was no reason to wear them down with a back-to-back. Pop's been around. He knows what he's doing."
Jannero Pargo has been battling a sore back but said he's available to play for the Bulls.
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