Chicago, already assured of the top seed in the NBA's Eastern Conference playoffs, used Derrick Rose and other key players in their 92-87 victory over playoff-bound Indiana.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said injuries throughout the season had left his preferred starting unit of Rose, Richard Hamilton, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah needing more playing time together.

Some other playoff-bound teams were opting to rest their stars on the penultimate night of the lockout-shortened regular season.

"We still need to find some rhythm with guys," Thibodeau said. "They need some time together."

Deng played 33 minutes and Rose, who has been sidelined for 26 games, played 26 minutes and said he welcomed the opportunity.

"I love playing games, getting my rhythm back," Rose said. "I'm coming along, man. I'm very positive. My spirits are up."

The Bulls lost to Miami in the Eastern Conference finals last season after posting the league's best record.

Thibodeau, therefore, was low-key on the importance of holding the top seed in the East.

"It's the next step along the way," he said. "You try to put as many things in your favor as possible. It's not the end-all. It doesn't guarantee anything. But I think it also gives you your best chance."

In New York, the Knicks held off the charging Los Angeles Clippers 99-93, denying the Clippers a chance to claim home court advantage over Memphis in the first round of the playoffs.

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Chicago Bulls work chemistry heading into NBA playoffs