Derrick Rose to be fitted for mask Tuesday, could practice this week

Still dealing with noticeable swelling around his left eye, Derrick Rose was feeling better Monday as he arrived to take in the Chicago Bulls' preseason game.

Rose didn't have a formal media session but told reporters in the locker room that he'll be fitted for a mask on Tuesday. He's been sidelined since Sept. 29 after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured orbital bone suffered in practice, and the Bulls remain hopeful he will be ready for opening night on Oct. 27.

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Once he's fitted for the mask, the next step will be practicing, which head coach Fred Hoiberg believes Rose may be able to do this week. Returning sometime this week would give Rose more than a week to work his way up to full-contact work in anticipation of the season opener.

Missing minimal time may not make a major difference in the macro for the Bulls, but entering the season with a healthy Rose may serve as a minor confidence boost. The star point guard has appeared in just 100 regular-season games over the past four seasons due to a series of injuries, and when he played last season he was slow to shake the rust off.

Injuries have also prevented him from establishing a more refined and symbiotic chemistry with Jimmy Butler, who's taken on a larger offensive role in Rose's stead. The Bulls' offensive upside is much higher if both guards are healthy and effective, and Butler should be able to help take the load off of Rose if he's limited early on.

In 51 games last year, Rose averaged 17.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, while shooting 40.5 percent overall and 28 percent on threes. The Bulls were roughly one points per-100 possessions better with Rose on the floor, a small impact for a former superstar playing most of his minutes with other starters.