Report: Rose's MRI result negative

The Chicago Bulls were expecting superstar guard Derrick Rose to be back on court Tuesday for Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Rose underwent an MRI exam Sunday afternoon on his injured left ankle, which came back negative, confirming his strain. He is listed day-to-day.

Rose earlier wore a walking boot, described as a precautionary measure, as he met for a film session with Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau said the team remained hopeful Rose would be back at the United Center as the Bulls look to finish off the Pacers.

"Hopefully, he'll be ready [Tuesday]," Thibodeau said. "When we ask him, he says he's fine. [Athletic trainer] Fred [Tedeschi] said [Rose] has a little soreness, but he said the swelling isn't bad."

C.J. Watson, who would replace an absent Rose, was more certain, saying, "One hundred percent he'll play."

Rose has averaged 28.3 points per game in the Bulls' best-of-seven series, but endured a disappointing Game 4, going 6-for-22 from the field. The Bulls hold a 3-1 lead in the series.