Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, who is dealing with a sprained left ankle, said he is “definitely” playing in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.

The Bulls have listed Rose as questionable for Tuesday, but he appears more confident. Asked Monday if he will play, Rose said: “More than likely, yeah. It’s not broke so I’m definitely playing.”

Rose underwent an MRI on Sunday, which showed a sprained left ankle. Rose didn’t practice Monday, but coach Tom Thibodeau is optimistic Rose will play and said the swelling is down. He’ll receive a pain-killing injection before Game 5.

“He’s feeling a little better, just held him out [to] give him a little more rest,” Thibodeau said. “He’s doing a good job of getting his treatment. They’ve gotten the swelling down, so hopefully he’ll be ready to go [Tuesday].”

Rose, who was limping noticeably walking around the Berto Center in flip-flops, said his ankle is improving.

“It’s getting better every day,” Rose said. “I’m getting treatment on it the last couple of days, coming in in the morning, coming in at night getting treatment, so hopefully it will be ready [Tuesday].”

Rose twisted the ankle during the first quarter of Game 4 on Saturday in Indianapolis. He left the court and returned in the second quarter, but he didn’t seem as explosive.

WRITTEN BY Nick Friedell covers the Bulls for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000 & FULL STORY HERE