Bulls' Rose misses third straight game; Butler improving

CHICAGO (AP) Bulls star Derrick Rose missed his third consecutive game Saturday, while Jimmy Butler got an encouraging report on his injured left knee. Rose

CHICAGO (AP) Bulls star Derrick Rose missed his third consecutive game Saturday, while Jimmy Butler got an encouraging report on his injured left knee.

Rose sat out against the Portland Trail Blazers because of tendinitis in his right hamstring. Coach Fred Hoiberg says the 2011 MVP is improving but still experiencing pain when he ''tries to explode off'' his leg.

Chicago's next two games are at Miami and Orlando on Tuesday and Wednesday.

As for Butler, Hoiberg says an MRI on Saturday showed the swelling in his left knee is ''significantly down.'' He says the Bulls will have a better idea on a return date for the two-time All-Star once he starts scrimmaging.

Butler has been sidelined since Feb. 5 by a strained left knee.