Pistons 82 - 88 Bulls
Final
  for this game

Bulls welcome Pistons to Chicago

Apr 3, 2015 - 2:16 PM

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(SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago Bulls are losing ground in the battle for a Central Division title and will host the Detroit Pistons Friday at the United Center.

The Bulls are 3 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for division supremacy and sit even with the Toronto Raptors for the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago had won three in a row and five of six games until a 95-91 road setback against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in a possible playoff preview. Chicago received 25 points from Jimmy Butler, but was hurt by 22 turnovers.

Pau Gasol recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Taj Gibson scored 12 points off the bench for the Bulls.

"You have to give them credit. They were more aggressive throughout the course of the game," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "They were quicker to the ball to start the game and the tone of the game was set."

Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich injured his left knee in the third quarter and did not return. He is questionable for Friday night.

The Bulls have won four in a row at home and are 24-14 at the United Center this season. They will play the next three games on the road against Cleveland, Orlando and Miami.

Detroit has lost two of three games following a four-game winning streak and is coming off Wednesday's 102-78 setback at Charlotte. Jodie Meeks scored 15 points, Andre Drummond had 13 and nine rebounds, and Anthony Tolliver netted 10 points to round out the double-digit scorers.

The Hornets were led by Marvin Williams' 18 points and five other Charlotte players reached double digits in points.

"We weren't ready to play when the game started," Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy said. "It wasn't one guy -- it was everybody. When you're not ready to play, it's going to be a long night."

The Pistons are five games off a playoff spot with seven to go.

Detroit is 13-25 on the road and will start a four-game homestand Saturday versus Miami, Boston, Indiana and Charlotte. All four teams sit ahead of the Pistons for the East's coveted No. 8 seed.

Chicago has lost two of three matchups with Detroit this season, but the Bulls are 22-4 in the past 26 games between Central rivals.

Gasol is averaging 18.6 points and 11.0 rebounds against Detroit this season.






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