Derrick Rose is expected to make his comeback from a long layoff when the Chicago Bulls collide with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

Rose, who is averaging 18.4 points to go along with 5.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game this season, has not played since Feb. 23 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, which was the same injury that forced him to miss 72 games last season.

When asked about doubts about his health and how effective he will be coming off the injury, Rose expressed confidence that he will play like the way he did before undergoing knee surgery in February.

"It feels the same," Rose said via ESPN. "I've been putting a lot of work in, busting my ass to get back and I'm just happy that I'm able to come back to a team where I think we're playing all right basketball. I think defensively we're playing good, so offensively I shouldn't have to worry about it."

The 26-year-old point guard is expected to play 20 minutes against the Magic. Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said that playing time will not be a concern for them, insisting that Rose's mere presence will be a huge boost for the team in their final games before the playoffs.

"Just him being on the floor is a plus for our team," Thibodeau said. "I'm not expecting him to play 35 minutes. I'm not expecting him to score 30 points. Just go out there, run the team, play to your strengths, cover up your weaknesses, make your teammates better. That's all I want him to do."

The Bulls are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference with their 46-31 record. They are coming off a 99-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, which hurt their chances of catching the Cavs for the Central Division title this season. The Bulls are just one game ahead of the fourth-placed Toronto Raptors in the playoff race.

On the other hand, the Magic are expected to play with less pressure on their shoulders as they are already out of the playoff race. They are currently in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings with their 24-53 record.

The Bulls-Magic match is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be shown live on CSNC and FSFL. Fans can also catch the action via online live stream through NBA League Pass.

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