Posted Feb 10 2012 7:34PM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose did not start Friday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats due to a lower back strain and is not expected to play.
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said about an hour before tipoff that he'd make a game-time decision on Rose after the reigning MVP injured his back earlier in the week. Rose was not on the bench at the start of the game against the NBA-worst Bobcats.
C.J. Watson started in place of Rose, who is averaging 22.0 points.
 | Top 5 of Inside: Blake Debate Part II Charles explains why he expects more from Blake Griffin and what other aspects of his game he should address. |
 | Top 5 of Inside: Blake Debate Kenny, Charles, E.J. and Shaq debate whether Blake Griffin should be a better player by now. |
 | Top 5 of Inside: E.J., Kenny, Charles and Shaq look ahead to Game 5 in Miami on Tuesday night on TNT. |
 | Top 5 of Inside: Clippers' Season The Inside crew recaps the Clippers' season and looks ahead to what the team needs to do in the offseason. |
 | Top 5 of Inside: Gone Fishin' Shaq, Charles, Kenny and E.J. send the Clippers fishing. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
