Derrick Rose hopeful of midweek return

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has revealed that he is hopeful of returning from injury in time to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old was forced off with a sprained ankle during the 96-95 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday and has missed two games with the injury.

However, he said that he feels as though he is almost ready to return as the Bulls look to improve their title challenge in the Eastern Conference's central division.

"I feel good," he told ESPN after Sunday's practice session. "My body was a little fatigued from just running around or just sitting down for a little time.

"Being able to run around today, and I had a great workout [Saturday] and I had another workout today after we got done practicing so I am heading in the right direction ... that is what I am aiming for, Tuesday, for sure."

The Bulls are 8-3 to start the season, leaving them a game and a half behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in the division standings.