Ben Gordon and the surging Chicago Bulls look to continue their late push toward the postseason when they host the Orlando Magic tonight (7:30 p.m. CT | WCIU/ESPN Radio 1000). The Bulls (31-39) have won two straight and trail the Philadelphia 76ers (32-37) by just 1 1/2 games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Gordon scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter on Sunday as Chicago rallied for a 101-97 triumph over the Boston Celtics. Luol Deng scored 20 points while Chris Duhon added 17, six rebounds and seven assists for the Bulls, who never led in the first 45 minutes but never trailed in the final three. Gordon has come alive since being taken out of the starting lineup for Chicago's last two games. The 2005 Sixth Man Award winner has scored a total of 42 points off the bench over his last two games. The Bulls hope for another strong performance from Gordon on Tuesday against a Magic squad that has won three straight and seven of its last 10. Hedo Turkoglu scored 23 points and Dwight Howard added 15 and 13 rebounds on Sunday as Orlando (27-43) posted a 108-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Jameer Nelson had 15 points and reserve Darko Milicic chipped in 13 for the Magic, who have lost both meetings with the Bulls this season. Tune in to watch tonight's game on WCIU or listen to it on ESPN Radio 1000 (pregame show at 7:00). Visit Bulls.com or click here now for a complete preview of this evening's contest. Probable Bulls Starters Guard 21 Chris Duhon 6-1 | 185 Guard 12 Kirk Hinrich 6-3 | 190 Forward 9 Luol Deng 6-9 | 220 Forward 5 Andres Nocioni 6-7 | 225 Center 50 Michael Sweetney 6-8 | 270 Probable Magic Starters Guard 14 Jameer Nelson 6-0 | 190 Guard 9 DeShawn Stevenson 6-5 | 210 Forward 15 Hedo Turkoglu 6-10 | 220 Forward 12 Dwight Howard 6-11 | 265 Center 4 Tony Battie 6-11 | 240 Injury Report Bulls Malik Allen (low back spasms) is questionable. Darius Songaila (right foot fracture) is out. For a full report and the latest on Bulls' injuries, check out the AthletiCo Injury Report at Bulls.com. Magic Mario Kasun (hyperextended right knee) is doubtful. Pat Garrity (Grade 2 AC sprain, left shoulder) and Grant Hill (lower abdominal strain/rehab, sports hernia surgery) are out. Series Notes The Bulls have won five straight in this series ... last year the Bulls swept the season series, 3-0, for the first time since the 1996.97 campaign ... Chicago is just 9-17 against Orlando since the 1998.99 season ... Tyson Chandler tied his career high with 22 rebounds at Orlando last season (04/06/05) ... the Bulls' 117-77 win at the United Center on April 15, 2005 was the team's biggest win in the series' history; the previous largest margin of victory was 32 points ... the Bulls are 1-3 in overtime against the Magic; Chicago earned its first overtime win against the Magic, a 102-101 victory at Orlando on April 6, 2005.
Can't wait for the game too start. Hopefully the Bulls start of good and play with a passion that will win them the game.
So far, the Bulls have been doing good on defense and offense. Noc scored 11 in the first and had a couple of free throws. But, when he got in a couple of times he just made turnovers when he should have a gotten a couple of baskets. But, he did really good. When we needed size, Skiles put Tyson in, but he got 2 quick fouls. Didn't really know what the hell happened on the 2nd one. Sweetney's had a few nice easy layups.
End of the second: Nice defense again. Got a couple of steals (11 in first half) and some fastbreaks. Couldn't finish on a couple, but still doing very well. Score: Bulls 57 Magic 49
There's no point in making the playoffs for the Bulls, if they can't win games like this against teams that aren't as good as them.
OMG, i didnt watch the game, but outscored 24-11 in the final quater, that is ridiculous. Another game that should've been ours. I don't get how we can continue to not be able to close out games like this. We've lost enough times this way. Are we not learning from our mistakes?
