LeBron James, Derrick Rose each uncertain about their return

LeBron James has not practiced since getting an injection in his back, but the Cavaliers remain confident he’ll be ready to start the NBA season.

James did “light work” on the court Thursday, with Cleveland gearing up for Tuesday’s opener in Chicago. The four-time MVP has been limited since his anti-inflammatory shot, similar to the one early last season when he was slowed by knee and back issues.

“We’re being very conscientious and cautious with him in terms of his feeling,” Coach David Blatt said. “He’s fine and he’s going to be fine. We’re just going slowly and carefully with him. He’ll be out there very soon.”

So will forward Tristan Thompson, who signed his five-year, $82 million contract and is expected Friday to practice with his teammates for the first time since last season. The valuable rebounder held out for a long-term deal. His agent, Rich Paul, and the Cavs reached an agreement Wednesday, ending a months-long standoff.

Thompson gave the Cavs a huge lift when Kevin Love was injured in the playoffs last season.

“He’s a big part of what we do,” guard James Jones said. “Unfortunately, the business aspect of our game slowed us down a little bit. But we have full faith and confidence that knowing the way he works, he’ll get up to speed soon and more importantly, knowing that we have that extended depth because we all know the healthiest teams usually are the ones that are most successful in the postseason.”

James didn’t speak to reporters following the workout at Cleveland Clinic Courts. However, he did throw around some footballs with a few teammates on a field outside the facility before heading home.

“LeBron is constantly working and he’s a guy that takes care of himself 24 hours a day,” Blatt said. “I don’t have to tell anybody here what a fabulous athlete he is. He also takes care of himself, so he’ll be fine.”

Meanwhile, All-Star guard Kyrie Irving remains sidelined after breaking his kneecap in Game 1 of the finals. Irving has not practiced, and the Cavs don’t have a timetable for him to play.

--Associated Press

Rose still questionable

The Bulls’ starting lineup is basically set. All that’s unknown is whether Derrick Rose’s left eye will cooperate enough for him to be in it.

And in a mild surprise, Rose and Coach Fred Hoiberg said the Bulls guard may play minor minutes in Friday’s exhibition finale against the Mavericks in Lincoln, Neb. Rose took limited contact in Thursday’s practice, his first since fracturing his left orbital bone in the first practice of training camp Sept. 29.

“Every day I’m improving,” Rose said. “The eye itself, the swelling is going down. Been practicing pretty hard and if everything is all right, I’m going to play a little bit.”

Rose even took a blow to his mask-protected face and “didn’t feel it that much,” although he admitted there has been an adjustment period as far as perspective issues for gauging the speed of passes. Rose also said he’s surprising himself with his conditioning level after two weeks of inactivity after his Sept. 30 surgery.

On the downside, Rose still occasionally experiences double vision. “Right now, I see two of you,” he said.

Nevertheless, Rose didn’t rule out playing Friday or in Tuesday’s season opener against the Cavaliers.

“As long as I’m out there and moving around, I’m not worried about attacking or being aggressive,” Rose said. “That’s going to come. I just need to be out there.

”For anybody, opening night is opening night. It’s your showcase to show everybody what you’ve been doing the entire summer. It’s a big night. But at the same time, if I feel I can’t go, there’s no point in rushing it or pushing myself.“