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Report: Derrick Rose bothered by knee soreness since Brazil game

Chicago Bulls and Team USA point guard Derrick Rose did not practice for the second day in a row as he rested his surgically repaired knees.
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Chicago Bulls and Team USA point guard Derrick Rose ​has been bothered by knee soreness since playing Saturday night in an exhibition victory over Brazil, reports ESPN.com’s Nick Friedell.

Rose didn't practice Tuesday for the second day in a row, but Team USA officials downplayed Rose's extra rest, saying it had been planned.

Rose is still scheduled to play in the team's exhibition game Wednesday against the Dominican Republic in New York. He likely won't start due to an informal rule that says starters must practice the day before any game.

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The Brazil exhibition was Rose’s first game action since tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee last November. He also tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in April 2012. Rose had seven points in 24 minutes against Brazil.

"We're gonna give him a couple days off because he's been going so hard," Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said Monday. "He needs to keep finding himself and his rhythm and not be worried about leading a team.”

Team USA has already had to deal with the loss of Paul George, who suffered a compound fracture of his right leg during a showcase event earlier this month. DeMarcus Cousin provided a brief scare when he bumped knees with a teammate and fell to the floor. [onetwenty:90511838]

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