Brewer's return gives Bulls a more crowded backcourt

Preseason is not even halfway over and already the Bulls are facing questions about playing time.

The shooting guards have performed well in the first three contests. Kyle Korver is the team's leading scorer at 16.3 points per game and is shooting 53 percent from the field. Keith Bogans has started and knocked down an impressive 6 of 9 attempts from 3-point range.

When the Bulls host Toronto at the United Center on Tuesday, Ronnie Brewer (sore hamstring) and C.J. Watson (leg bruise) are expected to return from injuries, throwing two more names into the mix.

“Some guys who had been playing may not play tomorrow, warned coach Tom Thibodeau.

Brewer has yet to play during preseason because the Bulls were being cautious with his hamstring issue. He missed two months at the end of last season with a partially torn hamstring. Assuming Brewer doesn't have a setback, Thibodeau expects the ex-Utah swingman to play no more than 10 or 11 minutes against the Raptors.

Watson played in the opening loss at Milwaukee and is expected to back up Rose at point guard this season, but Thibodeau has said he'd also like to use Rose and Watson together in the backcourt.

“I'm happy I'm not the coach, Rose said. “Guys are fighting for spots right now. Guys are playing good, stepping up to the plate and it's going to be interesting to see what happens.

One thing that's still to be decided is Korver's role. So far, he has provided instant offense from the bench. But with his long-range shooting skills, it could also make sense to play Korver with Rose.

“We're looking at different combinations, Thibodeau said. “I like him with that second unit. I think it gives us a big spark coming off the bench. We'll see how we finish games. I know he complements Derrick and Carlos (Boozer) very well because of his ability to create that space and they're reluctant to double-team those guys if he's standing out at the 3-point line.

“Defensively, he's still working and he's got to get better in that area. I liked his defense in the first game. The last two games, he's got to improve. He may close some games for us, but I think it comes back to he's got to play defense.

Bogans figures to be the odd man out when the Bulls get to full strength. He's considered a good defender and if his 3-point shot continues to fall, he could fill a couple roles.

“Keith's been around a long time, Thibodeau said. “He's a tough guy. He knows how to compete and the team functions well with him on the floor.

The Toronto game will mark the halfway point of Bulls preseason. Later this week, they'll host Dallas on Friday and visit Orlando on Saturday.