DEERFIELD, Ill. — Chicago Bulls rookie guard Derrick Rose is sitting out practice to rest a sore back but expects to play Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Rose started getting back spasms before Tuesday night's 113-108 loss to Atlanta but still played 42 minutes. He finished with 26 points to match his career-high, and had a career-best 10 rebounds for his first double-double.

The No. 1 overall draft pick said his back never loosened up Tuesday night and he took treatment after the game. He got a massage Wednesday instead of practicing.

Rose is averaging 18.8 points and 5.3 assists through Chicago's first eight games.

The Bulls' backcourt already is short-handed with Kirk Hinrich sidelined after thumb surgery and Larry Hughes out with a shoulder injury.