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With Hinrich, Deng back, Bulls look to end losing streak

Jan 14, 2009 - 11:26 AM Chicago (16-22) at Toronto (16-23) 7:00 p.m. EST

TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Bulls have lost their last two games, but with Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng back in the lineup, things are looking up.

The Bulls look to snap their losing streak on Wednesday when they visit the Toronto Raptors.

Chicago has lost eight of its last 11 games, including a 109-95 setback against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, two days after it dropped an embarrassing 11-point decision in overtime to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite Monday's loss, the Bulls have to be encouraged going forward with two of their best players finally back in the mix.

Deng had 14 points and five rebounds against the Blazers after missing eight games with a sprained left ankle and Hinrich, who was sidelined 31 games due to surgery on his left thumb, had four points and three assists in over 20 minutes.

"It was nice to get Kirk and Luol back in the lineup, but we need to have some practice time as a unit and get our rotations together," Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro said.

The Raptors have also lost their last two games, both to the defending champion Boston Celtics.

After dropping a six-point decision at home on Sunday, Toronto was equally as bad Monday, enduring a 115-109 loss at the TD Banknorth Garden.