He's Injured, We're Doomed

I don't know how I missed this, but Sam Smith is reporting the God Derrick Rose was injured last night:

Rose was brilliant, getting 26 points to match his young career high with a career high 10 rebounds and six assists. This all after he pulled a muscle in his back in the first quarter, refused to leave the game and ended up playing 42 minutes and 29 seconds.

"I'm fine," Rose said as he left the United Center late Tuesday night with friends and family.

But he clearly wasn't, and it seems unlikely he'll practice Wednesday as he gets treatment. I assume seeing him so far he'll play Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. But you don't want to mess with back injuries and Rose admitted to being stiff coming into the game and was getting treatment.

Teammates said Rose, who was one of four Bulls along with Gordon, Deng and Andres Nocioni announced for the All Star ballot Tuesday, appeared to be in considerable pain during the game. Coach Vinny Del Negro said Rose was unable to sit in a chair during timeouts.

I like the fact that he's a badass, but there is some cause for concern here. Updates to follow.