Derrick Rose returns after missing time with back spasms

GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose plans to play Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers after missing three of the Knicks' past four games because of back spasms.

"That's the plan," he said after participating in a full practice on Monday. "I just want to put all these injuries behind me and get on with the season."

Rose said that he no longer feels the effects of the spasms and doesn't believe that they will hamper him throughout the season.

"I think it's just a one-shot thing," he said. "Before I fell I wasn't worried about it. Things like this are going to happen. It comes with the season -- bumps and falls. I just got to find a way around it. I can't let it get to me mentally."

Rose initially felt the spasms in the first half of the Knicks' win over Miami on Dec. 6. He missed New York's next two games and returned on Dec. 11, scoring 25 points in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Rose's spasms then flared up again during the Knicks' next game against Phoenix, which Rose left after playing just 10 minutes.

He missed the Knicks' next two games, both losses. The Knicks have lost three straight and have gone 1-3 in games Rose has missed due to the back ailment.

"He's obviously very important for us," Kristaps Porzingis said. "Just having another guy that can attack and create for others and be the aggressor."

The Knicks have taken a cautious approach with Rose, who has a history of serious injuries, though not related to his back.

Rose played in 39 percent of his games in the previous four seasons, missing time due to various injuries, including three significant knee ailments. He had played in every game in his first season in New York prior to missing time because of back spasms and was a significant reason for the Knicks' strong start.

In 23 games, Rose is averaging 16.4 points (45.6 percent shooting), four rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

He seems excited to get back on the court and continue his season.

"I just want to put this behind me," Rose said. "It's over."