Bulls' Rose out for Celtics game

The back spasms that have limited Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose were still severe enough to force him from Sunday's showdown with the Boston Celtics, he told reporters.

Rose said he was not up to playing after missing Friday's game against the Charlotte Bobcats and playing in a reduced role against the New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets earlier in the week.

The Bulls were also without Rip Hamilton, who will miss another week due to a sore groin, coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters.

Hamilton was also away due to a personal matter.

Losing last season's MVP in Rose, who was averaging 22 points and seven assists this year, would normally be a crippling blow.

But the Bulls entered Sunday's game with a five-game winning streak, aided partially by playing struggling teams. C.J. Watson, who is tabbed to start in Rose's place, also scored 14 points and passed for 11 assists in the win over the Nets.

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