Big toe big problem?

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose says his sprained left big toe might bother him the rest of the season.

The league's reigning MVP wasn't sure he'd be ready to play Monday against Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets and Luol Deng will likely sit out with a sprained left wrist. That means the Bulls could be without their two best players.

Rose, who has missed the past four games, says the toe "is never going to be right this year." But he "felt decent" during Monday's shootaround.

Coach Tom Thibodeau says Deng probably won't play.

Thibodeau ruled out Taj Gibson (sprained left ankle) but said he thinks Joakim Noah (sprained left ankle) will play. Backup guard John Lucas III (strained left groin) is a game-time decision