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Struggling Bulls search for a spark vs. Grizzlies

Mar 4, 2008 - 11:18 AM Memphis (14-45) at Chicago (23-36) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Sandwiched between a pair of games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls might have to avoid a letdown when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

The Bulls and Cavaliers teamed with the Seattle SuperSonics to complete a deadline deal involving 11 players on February 21. Chicago added four players to its regular rotation that began the season in Cleveland.

The first meeting between the clubs since the trade came on Sunday, with the Cavaliers earning a 95-86 victory behind 37 points from LeBron James. Larry Hughes - one of the players traded to the Bulls - finished with 23 points.

With so much recent history with Cleveland and another matchup set for Thursday, Chicago must be sure to not look past the Grizzlies.

The Bulls have had trouble generating offense recently, failing to top 97 points in any of their last four losses. They shot 39 percent (29-of-74) from the field Sunday.

The Grizzlies are well on their way to another high lottery pick, owning the second-worst record in the Western Conference. They have lost eight in a row and 14 of their last 15 games.

Defense has been the problem all season for Memphis, with the club ranking 29th in the NBA in scoring defense, yielding 105.7 points per game. The team has surrendered 109 or more points in the last four games.

The Grizzlies won the first meeting of the season, 104-90, on January 21.