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Bulls face Nets in Eastern Conference battle

Apr 6, 2007 - 5:30 PM New Jersey (35-39) at Chicago (45-31) 8:30 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The surging Chicago Bulls seek their sixth win in seven games Friday when they host the New Jersey Nets.

Thanks to their recent hot streak, the Bulls have tied Cleveland (45-31) for second place in the Central Division. Both teams are 3 1/2 games behind Detroit with six contests left.

On Wednesday, the Bulls made a statement with a 106-88 victory at Detroit. The victory was more impressive since four-time Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace missed the contest with a sinus inflammation. He is questionable for this contest.

Chicago might also be without first-round pick Tyrus Thomas due to the flu. However, teammate Andres Nocioni looks to make his return after missing the last two months with right foot plantar fasciitis.

New Jersey is coming off Wednesday's 101-86 victory over lowly Atlanta. Reserve Bostjan Nachbar drained seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points.

The Nets are in seventh place in the East, 1 1/2 games in front of Orlando (34-41).

"Every team that we play from here on out is either in the playoffs or is fighting to get in the playoffs," New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank said. "All we can be concerned about is our own play."