Bulls' Korver undergoes MRI on knee

Bulls sharpshooter Kyle Korver skipped Monday's practice to have an MRI exam on his right knee. Coach Tom Thibodeau wasn't certain when the injury happened or how long it could keep Korver out of action, if at all.

Korver is among the NBA leaders in 3-point shooting at 57.1 percent (12-for-21). He's averaging 8.1 points in 19 minutes per game this season.

“It hurts a lot,” Rose said of the potential loss. “He's a good player, brings a lot of energy and a lot of scoring when he comes into the game. We need him, but we can't use that as an excuse.”

The Bulls weren't sure if Korver would make the team's flight to Houston, but Thibodeau downplayed that possibility, saying he could always fly on his own and meet the team.

Rose receives honor:

Derrick Rose was named Eastern Conference player of the week Monday, for averaging 21.3 points and 9 assists in three victories last week. It's the second time in his three-year career he's received the honor.

Utah's Deron Williams was Western Conference player of the week, lending further credence to the idea that this is the year of the point guard. In the first three weeks of the season, Rose, Williams, New Orleans' Chris Paul and Boston's Rajon Rondo have all been player of the week.

“This year, it's tough. Everybody's coming in focused,” Rose said. “With the moves Miami made, everybody is making sure their game is on the next level, just being prepared. This year is an exciting year and it's making everybody play better.”

Long distance dedication:

Outlandish 3-point shooting has been a trend this season. Phoenix knocked down 22 shots from 3-point range to beat the Lakers on Monday, while San Antonio's Matt Bonner was 7-for-7 from behind the arc against Oklahoma City.

The Bulls' one home loss this season came when New York buried 16 of 24 attempts from long range.

“I think it has a lot to do with the way the game has changed,” Bulls coach Tim Thibodeau said. “You're seeing a lot of small forwards playing power forward. There's another shooter on the floor. In the '90s, often times you had another power forward at small forward, so it's gone the opposite way.”

Bull horns:

Before working in Boston the past three years, Tom Thibodeau was a Rockets assistant for four seasons under Jeff Van Gundy. … Center Yao Ming and point guard Aaron Brooks are expected to miss Tuesday's game, both with sprained ankles.