Rose won't play vs. Wizards tonight

Derrick Rose was a surprise scratch from Wednesday's game against Washington at the United Center. The team listed the reason as right hamstring tendinitis.

It's an issue that bothered Rose earlier this season. He missed three games in late December and early January with the same issue. He skipped a game in Charlotte before the all-star break with general soreness. Rose has played in 48 of 56 games this season, including Wednesday's contest.

"Just don't want to take any risks," Rose told reporters before the game. "I'm taking it one day at a time, trying not to risk it. That's what it's all about, just reading my body."

In the last three games, Rose has played as well as he has in years, averaging 26 points and shooting 57 percent from the field. He thinks the best way to keep playing well is to be careful when feeling any knee pain. He's had three surgeries on his knees since 2012.

"I love the way I'm playing," Rose said. "I feel like I'm playing to win. I feel like I'm in a good mood, great place mentally. Just trying not to risk all of it by going out there by just going out there and playing crazy."

The Bulls' next game is Friday at Atlanta. The Bulls are already missing top scorer Jimmy Butler with a left knee strain and forward Nikola Mirotic, who is recovering from an appendectomy and hematoma removal.

E'Twaun Moore started at point guard in Rose's place, with Tony Snell moving in at shooting guard. Center Pau Gasol is feeling under the weather, but was listed in the starting lineup.

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