Cavs guard Derrick Rose anticipates making his return to the lineup on Thursday when the team hosts the Orlando Magic, Rose said after practice today.
Derrick Rose says he thinks he’s a go for tomorrow. He hasn’t played since, well, I’m not sure. Awhile
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) January 17, 2018
Rose has sat out the last 32 games, taking a number of days to stay away from the team and contemplate a potential future without basketball. His career and season have been filled with injuries both grueling and nagging, causing him to consider retiring from the game of basketball.
Nevertheless, Rose made his decision to return to the Cavaliers and stick with the team. Once he returns, it’s expected he’ll be used in a back-up ball-handler role, a role that’s largely been filled by Dwyane Wade in Rose’s absence. Rose could give Wade some games off to rest, provided that he plays well enough.
Rose, along with guard Iman Shumpert — who’s missed the past 23 games due to meniscus surgery, practiced and participated in a team scrimmage on Wednesday, head coach Tyronn Lue said. However, Lue is unsure whether either player will be available for Thursday’s contest.
For Rose, whether or not his body and left ankle feels healthy will largely determine whether he plays on Thursday night. If his ankle feels well before the game, he expects to play coming off the bench.
