Recap...doubtful.

Next one at 8:20.

Derrick Rose didn't participate in shootaround, Thibs first said Rose was 'most likely' not playing, then ruled him officially out. Way to give up that tactical advantage against the Kings, Thibs.

I'm going to give Marc Stein firsties on the James news. For those that thought that James out-performed John Lucas III in his first stint here, you're likely correct, but Lucas has a guaranteed contract this year.

Please help a friend and I settle a debate regarding the Bulls.

Debate: Would the bulls have been better off signing grant hill or rip hamilton?

The debate is not meant to consider the fact that one player has been healthy this year while the other player hasn't. But since we have not seen Grant Hill in a Bulls uniform, and minimal of Rip, this is still seems to be an opinion based on the unknown. Both players are assumed to take on similar countracts (length and $).

Thank you.

The brutal 9-game road trip is over, Disney on Ice is gone from the United Center, and the second half of the Bulls schedule has more home games and off days.

BaB's pals at TiqIQ (and by extension, me) want to remind you that you can look for secondary market deals through their hosted page here.

Still pricey (it's the Bulls, after all) but some potential deals to be had. I wonder if Thibs' secretive nature with Derrick Rose's injury is to keep value up? You'd have to think the MVP isn't playing tonight.

The Bucks play their typical stingy defense, but the difference between the Bulls and the Bucks is that the Bucks have their three best defenders at the spots that most need guarded against the Heat.

Mbah-a-moute can defend all three positions but in this game he's on Chris Bosh and he's capable of leaving the paint and shutting Bosh down all over the court. Livingston has a lot of length against Wade and Delfino is the right size and competent defensively against LeBron.

Just like the Bulls they have huge advantages offensively at the 1 and 5, the 5 being the most surprising given its Drew Gooden who has seemingly given up his penchant for weird face and neck hair and looks matured on the court. He's having a great season with a 19 PER.

From KC Johnson:

Back specialist confirmed Bulls' diagnosis of DRose. Lower back spasms. Nothing structurally wrong with back. Muscular issue. Day-to-day.

That doesn't really say much, but it does say what it isn't: nothing crazy, season ending, etc. So that's good.

As far as updates for this week's games, I expect bullcrap from Thibs and we'll find out at tipoff. Don't want the those Sacramento Kings prepared!