Wanting to avenge a 29-point home loss to Orlando in December, the host Chicago Bulls defeated the Magic 99-90 Friday. Trailing 51-46 at halftime, the Bulls held the Magic to 39 points in the second half. Luol Deng, who had two points at halftime, finished with 26 points and eight rebounds to lead the Bulls. Carlos Boozer had 16 points and 16 rebounds. Dwight Howard was the Magic's only significant scoring threat with 40 points and 15 rebounds.
Derrick Rose decided to play despite consistent pain from two ulcers discovered in an examination Wednesday. He had 22 points, 12 assists and six rebounds in 37-plus minutes but made only six of 21 field goal attempts.
Elsewhere, Le Bron James poured in 39 points to help the Heat escape with an 88-87 victory over Detroit.