ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Derrick Rose, Shooting guard Ben Gordon, Small forward Luol Deng, Power forward Tyrus Thomas, Center Joakim Noah. Bench -- Guard Kirk Hinrich, Guard Larry Hughes, Guard Lindsey Hunter, Forward Thabo Sefolosha, Forward Andres Nocioni, Forward Cedric Simmons, Center Aaron Gray.
PLAYER NOTES: --G Ben Gordon came within one assist of matching his career-high on Wednesday against the Clippers. He finished with eight assists to go with 11 points.
--G Derrick Rose rediscovered his outside shot in Wednesday's routine win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He knocked down 9-of-13 attempts from the field for 21 points, most of those coming on mid-range jump shots that seemed to elude the rookie guard in recent weeks.
--G Lindsey Hunter saw his first playing time since Jan. 10 late in Wednesday's 20-point win against the Clippers. Hunter and forward Cedric Simmons played the final 2-1/2 minutes, but guard Larry Hughes did not see any action for the eighth straight game.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Drew Gooden (groin strain) visited a physical therapist in Phoenix to help with his injury, then met the Bulls in Los Angeles. He says he's feeling better, but will probably be out at least another week.
--F Michael Ruffin (sprained left ankle) has been sidelined since the second day of training camp. After being released and re-signed, he has been inactive for every game in the regular season.
