Rose can relate to Jennings' struggles

MILWAUKEE - Derrick Rose was an easy winner in last season's Rookie of the Year vote and Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings is the one to beat for this year's award.

So Monday's Bulls-Bucks clash figured to be an early preview of the NBA's point guard rivalry for the next decade.

It didn't start out that way as both players struggled early. Jennings didn't score until finishing a driving lay-in with two minutes left in the first half. Rose had just 2 points at halftime.

Asked before the game if the Bucks were trying to keep expectations in check for Jennings, coach Scott Skiles said there was no need.

"I think his last five games should be reigning in expectations," Skiles said. "He's getting into the league now. He came out with such a great hot start. Now it's a little more realistic. He's had some struggles. Now we'll see how he responds. It's inevitable that it happens, especially for a rookie. Teams are adjusting to him a little bit."

Jennings averaged 14.0 points and shot 29 percent in the previous four games, all Milwaukee losses, compared to 22.3 points and 43.3 percent shooting for the full season.

Rose had a similar experience last year. He posted great numbers in November, then couldn't match them until April.

Hinrich out 1-2 weeks: Kirk Hinrich had his sprained left thumb examined by a specialist and the Bulls released a statement saying the veteran guard was expected to miss 1-2 weeks. He missed his second game because of the injury on Monday.

"It's just based on my improvement, I think," Hinrich said of his recovery time. "As soon as I can handle the ball, I'm going to try to play."

Bucks fans get crazy: There were plenty of available seats at the Bradley Center on Monday, but the atmosphere has changed slightly. Bucks center Andrew Bogut agreed to donate 100 lower-level tickets to every game for the craziest fans, who have to audition to get a seat.

The result is a small, horn-blowing, college-style cheering section that tries to be clever. When the injured Kirk Hinrich jumped off the bench to celebrate a rare Brad Miller dunk on Monday, the "Squad 6," as it's called, yelled, "Sit down, Kirk."

When Joakim Noah shot free throws, the group sang an old Aerosmith song of questionable comedic value.

Bull horns: Del Harris, who retired after working as an assistant for the Bulls last season, is back on the bench. Harris reportedly agreed to be an assistant in New Jersey, where Lawrence Frank was fired and general manager Kiki Vandeweghe is expected to become head coach - Toni Kukoc, who played for both these teams, attended Monday's game.