--C Brad Miller was in the starting lineup for the second straight night during Wednesday's loss in Atlanta. But the new role hasn't helped his production. Miller still isn't knocking down many shots and averaged just 4.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in the two games as a starter.

--G Jannero Pargo said he's been feeling healthy for the first time this season. He had surgery to correct a sports hernia in June, then experienced a sore hip and back since early in training camp. Now that he's feeling better, though, Pargo knocked down just one of 12 shots from the field the past two games.

--F James Johnson scored a season-high 17 points against Atlanta on Wednesday. But they all came in the fourth quarter after the Bulls fell behind by 30 points. He was aggressive, though, and hit all eight of his free throw attempts.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Kirk Hinrich (sprained left thumb) injured the thumb during a Nov. 25 practice and returned on Wednesday against Atlanta after missing six games. He missed all nine of his field goal attempts and compiled threee assists and three turnovers.

--F Tyrus Thomas (broken left arm) was expected to be out until early December after breaking the radius in his left forearm and now that timetable has been extended. This was a freak accident that occurred while Thomas did a pullup during a weightlifting session at the Berto Center. A metal plate was used to repair the break during surgery on Nov. 7.

--C Jerome James (torn right Achilles' tendon) hasn't played since early last season when he was with the Knicks. No one is counting on any contributions from him, but he's vowed to get healthy and play sometime this season. He's starting to run again, but needs to pass a fitness test before he'll be allowed to practice.