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Bulls eye revenge versus Sixers

Dec 1, 2012 - 4:58 PM (Sports Network) - The Chicago Bulls have won consecutive games just once this season, prevailing in their first two games.

The Bulls aim to win two in a row Saturday night versus the Philadelphia 76ers in a rematch of last season's first-round playoff series won by the Sixers.

Chicago has won two of three games since a three-game slide and improved to 1-1 on a four-game homestand with Wednesday's 101-78 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Luol Deng had 22 points and Nate Robinson provided 14 points and six assists for the Bulls. Deng has led the team in scoring a team-high five times this season.

"It was a good win. I think when we play with that energy and everyone is on that same wave length, I think we definitely have a better shot at winning games," said Bulls forward Joakim Noah, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Bulls were able to hang on for the lead, one game after blowing a 27-point advantage in a 93-92 loss to Milwaukee on Monday. They also avoided their first three-game losing streak at the United Center since dropping five straight in March 2010. The Bulls improved to 5-1 on the season when holding their opponent under 90 points.

Chicago will close out the homestand next Tuesday versus Indiana, which is ahead of the Bulls for the Central Division lead. The Bulls are still playing without superstar guard and former MVP Derrick Rose (knee).

Bulls forward Carlos Boozer had just six points in the win over the Mavericks, but is averaging 16.3 points and 11.4 rebounds in his last seven games.

Philadelphia will play its second straight road game Saturday and won its third straight game with a 104-98 triumph over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Evan Turner led the charge with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Jason Richardson buried 4-of-8 3-pointers en route to 22 points. Richardson had 14 points in the fourth quarter.

"He was tremendous," Sixers coach Doug Collins said of Richardson. "He was our ace of spades tonight."

Jrue Holiday recorded 13 points and a career-high 15 assists for the 76ers, winners in six of the past eight games. Thaddeus Young had 15 points and seven boards for a Sixers team that shot 51.2 percent for the game. Philly was 24- of-41 from the floor in the first half, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range.

The 76ers have scored 100-plus points in four straight and five of six games.

Turner has scored in double figures in each of the past eight games -- a career high.

The Sixers eliminated the Bulls in six games during last season's Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Chicago, though, took two of three in the regular season and lost Rose early in the playoff series.

Philadelphia has lost eight of its last 13 regular-season games at the United Center.