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Bulls and Pistons clash at The Palace

Jan 4, 2012 - 4:01 PM (Sports Network) - Winning ugly never shows up in the standings.

The Chicago Bulls could care less how they achieve victories and will try to continue their impressive start tonight against the Detroit Pistons in the opener of a three-game road trip at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Chicago has won four in a row and woke up in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 76-74 win versus the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center. It scored 42 points through the first three quarters and eventually erased a 14-point deficit in the final period to stay in the win column. Reigning MVP Derrick Rose netted 17 of his game-best 30 points in the fourth quarter and Luol Deng deposited the go-ahead basket with 3.7 seconds to go.

"We don't care how we get the win," said Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, who finished with 11 points and nine boards. "We just want to win."

Deng had 21 points and eight rebounds in the win. The Bulls shot 33.8 percent for the game and made just 4-of-17 from three-point range. They also took advantage of some key missed free throws by the Hawks late in the game and made only 2-of-21 shots in the second quarter. Bulls guards Richard Hamilton (groin) and C.J. Watson (elbow) did not play and are questionable for tonight.

The Bulls will also visit Orlando and Atlanta on the upcoming trek, and opened the 2011-12 season with a four-game road trip (3-1).

Detroit has won two in a row since starting the season with three straight losses and will wrap up a three-game homestand Wednesday.

Ben Gordon lit it up for a season-high 26 points in an 89-78 win over the Magic on Monday, while Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey both netted 14 points for the Pistons, who shot 50 percent from the floor and had a 39-28 advantage on the glass. Greg Monroe added 10 points and nine rebounds.

"I think as a group we did a great job tonight," Monroe said. "Anytime everybody can give an effort like that we'll get a win."

Detroit held Orlando to 32 second-half points and star big man Dwight Howard was limited to seven points over that span. Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank is in his first season and his team has held the opposition to 88 points or fewer in three of their first five games.

After the Pistons entertain Chicago this evening they will try to spoil Philadelphia's home opener Friday night.

Chicago swept the four-game season series with Detroit a year ago and has won 11 straight and 16 of the previous 18 meetings between the two Central Division rivals. The Bulls are unbeaten in five straight trips to The Palace.