The Chicago Bulls visit the Philadelphia 76ers in a pivotal confrontation tonight (6:00 p.m. CT | CSN/ESPN Radio 1000). The Bulls (34-40) have won five of their last six games to surge within one-half game of the 76ers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The two will meet again in Chicago on Saturday, although Philadelphia has a meeting with Boston on Friday to play first. Chicago rallied from 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to capture a 102-96 home triumph against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Ben Gordon led the comeback as he celebrated his 23rd birthday by scoring 16 of his 23 points in the final period. Philadelphia (34-39) has allowed Chicago to climb back into contention by losing eight of its last 11 games, with its only victories in that stretch coming against lowly New York and Atlanta. Allen Iverson scored 39 points and Chris Webber added 21 on Tuesday, but it did not prevent the Sixers from being throttled at Cleveland, 124-91. The Bulls and Sixers split their first two meetings of the season, with each team winning on its home floor. Tune in to watch tonight's game on Comcast SportsNet Chicago or listen to it on ESPN Radio 1000 (pregame show at 5:30). 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 Sixers Starters Guard 3 Allen Iverson 6-0 | 165 Guard 12 Kevin Ollie 6-2 | 195 Forward 9 Andre Iguodala 6-6 | 207 Forward 4 Chris Webber 6-10 | 245 Center 1 Samuel Dalembert 6-11 | 240 Injury Report Bulls Chris Duhon (low back pain) 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. Sixers Philadelphia has no significant injuries to report. Series Notes The Bulls won the series 2-1 last year, the first series win for Chicago since the 1997.98 season (2-1) ... Chicago delivered a 117-84 pounding in the first meeting this season on Feb. 16 ... the Bulls are 3-10 against the 76ers in the last 13 meetings at the United Center ... Chicago is 48-42 versus Philadelphia in the Windy City.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">definately. Wish it was on TV.</div> It is for me.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">It is for me.</div> smartass. Good start to the game, up 30 - 17
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">Hinrich only play one minute or so in the first because of fouls or is he injured?</div> He, Duhon, and Pargo all have two fouls.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">and in usual Bulls fashion we have let them back in it with a 4 point lead now.</div> Ben Gordon just hurt his his ankle.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Defense #79:</div><div class="quote_post">any radio links?</div> CSN/ESPN Radio 1000 Anyway, game is at half time right now. The Bulls started off hot, but then let the lead go, Gordon got it back up to ten by himself due to his shooting, but then he went down, and the team let the lead fall back down to ten. The Bulls relied on Gordon big time in that first quarter should he not return they are in trouble.
Ben Gordon is in the game the Bulls are bending, but not breaking. The Bulls are in horrible foul trouble. Every time the 76ers get within two the Bulls push the lead back up.
Tyson Chandler with another huge game 13 rebounds thus far. He has also gotten some nice tip in buckets as well. He is hustling for every rebound.
