AROUND THE LEAGUE

Bulls’ Rose still out

Derrick Rose’s injured toe is better, just not good enough to risk playing on. The league’s reigning MVP sat out his third straight game Friday night with a sprained left big toe, an injury he first suffered on Jan. 10 at Minnesota. Before the Bulls played the Cleveland Cavaliers without Rose, coach Tom Thibodeau said his star point guard has improved. “Each day he’s moving in the right direction,” Thibodeau said, “and when he’s ready to go, he’ll go.”

Rose did not participate in the morning shootaround and he did not warm up with his teammates. Rose was not available for comment. He entered the locker room briefly and walked past reporters into the trainer’s room.

The Bulls are taking a cautious approach with Rose, who is averaging 20.8 points and 8.7 assists. Rose hasn’t played since last weekend against Toronto.

Thibodeau believes the Bulls have enough depth and talent to hold their own until Rose comes back. “Here’s the thing about our team,” he said. “We have more than enough to win with. If he’s hurt and he’s injured, he doesn’t play. If he can tolerate the pain and feels good enough then he’ll play. That’s the way it is. This is the NBA.”

Nuggets’ Nene sits

Denver forward Nene sat out Friday’s game against the Wizards with a bruised right heel. Nene previously missed three games with a bruised left foot. Coach George Karl said he expects Nene to play against former teammate Carmelo Anthony when the Nuggets visit the New York Knicks tonight. Kosta Koufos started in Nene’s place.

Celtics’ Rondo out

Point guard Rajon Rondo sat out Friday night’s game against Phoenix because of a sore right wrist. Rondo was injured Wednesday night when he took a hard foul from Toronto’s Linas Kleiza while going to the basket. An MRI was negative.

Briefly

Mike Dunleavy and Luc Mbah a Moute are back from injuries for the Bucks, but Stephen Jackson sat out their game in New York after missing the morning shootaround. Dunleavy missed nine games with groin pain while Mbah a Moute was sidelined with right knee tendinitis since Jan. 5. Jackson overslept Friday morning and coach Scott Skiles said he wouldn’t play. Shaun Livingston started in his place at shooting guard.

— From Our Press Services