The Bulls faced a contrasting December schedule that started with eight games against teams that were .500 or below, followed by a difficult eight-game stretch featuring quality opponents and six dates on the road. They went 4-4 during the first group of games and are 2-5 in the second set after getting dropped by Orlando.
So as the clock struck midnight on 2008, the Bulls (14-18) remained a legitimate playoff contender but are a long way from competing with the best teams in the Eastern Conference. They are 0-8 so far against Boston, Cleveland, Orlando and Atlanta, losing twice to each. Next up is another road trip to Cleveland on Friday. The good news is when this game ends, the Bulls will have just one road date left on the schedule against any of the East's top four teams (March 11 at Orlando). The Bulls are 0-2 against Cleveland this season, losing 107-93 at Quicken Loans Arena on Nov. 5 in a game that was relatively competitive. LeBron James scored 41 points in both November contests against the Bulls.
With Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich both sidelined with injuries, the task of guarding James will fall mainly on Thabo Sefolosha and Larry Hughes. Hughes was traded from Cleveland to the Bulls last February. Another ex-Cav, forward Drew Gooden, might be ready to play again Friday after sitting out six games with a sprained right ankle.
MAGIC 113, BULLS 94: The Bulls were ice cold from the opening tip, while Orlando showed up ready to play after its seven-game winning streak was snapped two days earlier in Detroit. The Bulls were basically blown out from start to finish and lost 113-104 on Wednesday afternoon at the United Center. The Magic's lead was at least 20 points from the middle of the second quarter until the Bulls scored the final basket of the game. Center Joakim Noah topped the home team with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Rashard Lewis led seven Magic players in double figures with 21 points.
