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Bulls return home after six-game road

Feb 12, 2008 - 2:57 PM New Orleans (34-15) at Chicago (20-30) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) - The Chicago Bulls return to the Windy City from an unsuccessful road trip, but now they must tangle with the New Orleans Hornets in their first game back on Tuesday.

Chicago makes its first appearance back home after stumbling to a dismal 2-4 showing against the West Coast trip that concluded with Saturday's 97-87 loss at Utah.

"We are a little short-handed, but the guys that played, played hard," Bulls guard Chris Duhon said. "They just wore us out a little bit at the end."

Injuries continue to plague the slumping Bulls, who will take the court without the services of Ben Gordon (wrist), Luol Deng (left Achilles) and Kirk Hinrich (ribs).

David West collected 33 points and 10 rebounds and Peja Stojakovic poured in 26 in helping the Hornets register a 112-99 victory over Memphis on Saturday.

While West prepares for his first All-Star Game appearance this weekend, the 6-9 forward hasn't been effective when facing the Bulls. He is averaging 6.3 points in six games in the series.

Chicago has won three straight meetings over the Hornets, who have been swept in the season series two out of the last three campaigns.