Bulls' Rose out again with back injury, to see specialist Monday

Derrick Rose has missed more games this season than in his first three combined.

Heinz Kluetmeier/SI

BOSTON (AP) -- Derrick Rose was out again for the Bulls' game against Boston on Sunday with what coach Tom Thibodeau called "stiffness" in his back and will see a specialist when the team gets back to Chicago.

The reigning MVP also missed Friday's win at Charlotte.

"It's not as cleared up as we would have liked right now," Thibodeau said before Sunday's game. "He's still got some stiffness. We thought it would be better to have him sit out."

Rose hurt his back earlier in the week and was limited in a win over New Orleans on Wednesday.

"You're always concerned," Thibodeau said. "It's something he's had before. He had it in high school."

Thibodeau hoped Rose would be able to play again soon.

"The backs are tricky," he said. "That's why he's going to see a specialist."

C.J. Watson started in his place. Rose is averaging 22 points and 7.8 assists for the Eastern Conference leaders.

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