Bulls' Rose out against Bobcats with back strain

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose did not start Friday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats due to a lower back strain and is not expected to play.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said about an hour before tipoff that he'd make a game-time decision on Rose after the reigning MVP injured his back earlier in the week. Rose was not on the bench at the start of the game against the NBA-worst Bobcats.

C.J. Watson started in place of Rose, who is averaging 22.0 points.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.