
The Bulls finally made a step toward getting healthy Tuesday when forward Drew Gooden returned after missing eight games with an ankle injury.
Forward Luol Deng (sprained ankle) may be back by Friday when the Bulls host Washington, while guard Kirk Hinrich (thumb surgery) plans to start practicing either Wednesday or Thursday. Whether a complete roster will cure what's ailing the Bulls remains to be seen. Struggling with six losses in the previous seven games, the Bulls finally got on the right track by beating Sacramento, but shot less than 40 percent from the field for the third consecutive game.
"I wish I had an answer other than we are out of sync because of injuries and the schedule," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "You are not going to win many games shooting 39 percent."
They improved to 11-5 at home by beating the Kings, but the Bulls (15-20) can't expect things to come easy this weekend even though their two opponents, Washington and Oklahoma City, had the two worst records in the league through Tuesday.
The Bulls lost twice at home to the Wizards last season and had to battle before pulling out a 117-110 victory at the United Center on Dec. 6. Deng scored his season-high of 26 points in that game.
BULLS 99, KINGS 94: The Bulls nearly pulled off a record-setting night at the foul line, but needed some breaks down the stretch to beat Sacramento 99-94 on Tuesday at the United Center, snapping a three-game losing streak. With about a minute left in the game, the Bulls were a perfect 29-for-29 at the foul line, which would have been a franchise record. But they missed three times down the stretch, allowing the Kings to stay within striking distance. Sacramento guard Kevin Martin missed an open 19-foot jumper that could have tied the game with about 10 seconds left and the Bulls added three late free throws to seal the win. Guard Ben Gordon led the Bulls with 24 points, while Martin scored 29.