"There's still swelling, but I'm well enough to play," Gooden said. "Who cares about the aftereffect? It's a huge stretch for us."

Gooden, who played a surprising 33 minutes, consistently has talked about how much it has meant to him to be a team captain this season.

This is a contract season for the seven-year veteran, and leadership apparently is as important as statistics.

"I felt a little in sync offensively," Gooden said. "I tried to take it to the basket and finish strong."

Gooden, who had missed eight games, finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for his team-leading eighth double-double. He shot 12 free throws.

Miller time: Brad Miller played 105 games for the Tim Floyd Bulls, so he knows losing. The Kings' center also knows he doesn't like it.

"It [stinks]," the always blunt Miller said.

Miller is available, and his contract conveniently expires in The Summer of LeBron, otherwise known as 2010.

That's the year LeBron James and other high-profile free agents are available. Thus far, Miller has generated little interest.

"A lot can happen between now and the [Feb. 19 trade] deadline," Miller said. "I don't think about that stuff. I just play hard and try to win."

Layups: Del Negro said Friday is a possibility for Luol Deng's return from his sprained left ankle. Deng, who missed his sixth straight game, confirmed that possibility, although he sounded less definite. ... The crowd of 18,060 marked the lowest for a Bulls home game since 17,032 watched a victory over Golden State on Jan. 10, 2005. ... Andres Nocioni missed his first 10 shots and finished 1 of 11.