Derrick Rose Injury Update: Knicks Point Guard Returning Friday vs. Kings?

When Derrick Rose pulled out in the third quarter of Tuesday’s victory over the Miami Heat with back spasms, renewed fears arose surrounding the New York Knicks starting point guard because of his long injury history.

Fortunately for the Knicks, Rose didn’t suffer another injury to either of his surgically repaired knees, but his status for Friday’s matchup with the Sacramento Kings – the first of a season-high five straight on the road - remains mired in doubt and he seems unlikely to play, according to reports.

Rose reportedly underwent an MRI test Wednesday – before New York suffered a 126-94 beat down at the hands of the reigning champion Cleveland Cavaliers without him - and while it didn’t reveal any structural damage Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek said his star floor general’s back is still “pretty sore,” the New York Post reported. Hornacek attributed the injury to Rose’s whirling-dervish playing style, and Rose said after the Miami game that he had pain on his right side down to his groin.

“It’s a good thing it’s nothing major with it — just normal wear and tear, bumps and bruises,’’ Hornacek said according to The Post. “[Rose] took a couple of falls [Tuesday night] when we looked at the tape.’’

The loss to Cleveland was Rose’s first absence from the Knicks lineup this season, and though he’s played in only 20 games for New York he has been a key contributor in his first season with the club.

Rose is averaging 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season, numbers that pale in comparison to his MVP-form with the Chicago Bulls, but his leadership has also played a significant role in the Knicks return to contention. The Post suggested Rose’s toughness and comments following New York’s loss to Cleveland back on Oct. 25 would be reason enough to believe the Knicks wouldn’t have folded against LeBron James and the Cavs quite so easily on Wednesday.

Rose had said the Knicks should’ve knocked James down throughout the contest, something they didn’t do Wednesday as James unleashed 25 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.

Should Rose sit out his second straight game, Hornacek is likely to start veteran Brandon Jennings or perhaps let star small forward Carmelo Anthony run the offense. Jennings has shown he’s far more effective as a sparkplug off the bench rather than a starter.