DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Barring any setbacks, Derrick Rose believes he will make his long-awaited return to the Chicago Bulls' starting lineup Sunday afternoon against the New York Knicks.

Rose, who has missed 22 games this season because of various injuries, including 12 consecutive with a groin injury, says the pain in his groin is gone.

"I'm feeling good," Rose said after Saturday morning's practice. "My groin's not bothering me. I'm happy to move on. My spirits are up. Today is my first full practice. Just practicing with the guys felt good out there and hopefully I'll be playing Sunday."

Rose says the decision lies in his hands, not with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.

"It's really not up to him, it's up to me," Rose said. "Where if I'm feeling good, I'm going to play. If I think that I need some more days, I'm going to take some more days. But more than likely I'll be out there."