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Rose won't rule out return vs. Heat; Deng out

While the Chicago Bulls will be without Luol Deng and Derrick Rose for Monday's Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the Miami Heat, Rose hasn't ruled out a return at some point in the series.

The Bulls star, who hasn't played at all this season, told reporters that his status is "still up in the air. I might have a chance."

Rose has been participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages since Feb. 18 and has been medically cleared to play for two months, but doesn't feel ready for game action.

"It's definitely hard, but I know that this will be over with pretty soon," Rose said. "Who knows when it's going to stop, but I can't just get down on myself."

Deng missed the past two games of the Bulls' seven-game series against the Brooklyn Nets with flu and didn't travel with the team to Miami. It's uncertain when he will return.