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Undermanned Bulls go to work again

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Oct 16

Audio–Head Coach Vinny Del Negro meets reporters prior to the Bulls hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at the United Center:

By Adam Fluck

The good news is that Tyrus Thomas will be back in action when the Bulls and Timberwolves meet again at the United Center on Friday (7 p.m. | CSN-Chicago), Head Coach Vinny Del Negro confirmed an hour before tip-off.

The bad news is that John Salmons isn’t playing—doctors induced labor for his wife late this afternoon—and Lindsey Hunter may not be available with a high temperature.

Derrick Rose will miss his fifth straight game with an inflamed tendon behind his right ankle, but Del Negro said he continues to improve. During shootaround Friday morning, Rose ran, rode a stationary bike and shot. The team remains hopeful he will be ready for Monday’s exhibition matchup at home against Orlando. But Del Negro said the team won’t rush it, while labeling it a “long shot” that Rose would miss the team’s regular season opener against San Antonio in Chicago on Oct. 29.

Despite Thomas’ return, rookie Taj Gibson will get the start at power forward. The Bulls haven’t set any limits as to the time Thomas will play, but Del Negro hoped he would see significant minutes with the regular season less than two weeks away.

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