Technically, that promotion still exists. But the Bulls have removed all doubt from the equation by becoming a high-scoring point machine, perhaps even the Golden State Warriors of the Eastern Conference.

Check out the numbers: In their last five games at the United Center, the fewest points scored by the Bulls was 105. In their last eight games overall, which included a couple of overtimes, the Bulls have averaged 107.6 points.

If they did that since Day One of the regular season, the Bulls would lead the league in scoring. The Los Angeles Lakers rank No. 1 at 107.3 points per game.

Of course, opponents also are finding the basket frequently. In those eight games, the Bulls have allowed 108.1 points, thanks in large part of Boston ringing up 126 on Friday. Over the full season, that opponents? scoring average would be second-highest in the NBA, behind Golden State?s 111.9.

What does this mean for the Bulls? Clearly, they?ve grown comfortable with an offense powered by rookie Derrick Rose and are creating more fastbreak opportunities. First-year coach Vinny Del Negro is using more small lineups, which have flooded the court with shooters and created plenty of open looks.

During the fourth quarter of Saturday?s 106-98 win over Utah, the Bulls used Ben Gordon, Derrick Rose, Andres Nocioni, Larry Hughes and Thabo Sefolosha down the stretch.

The Bulls? 3-point field-goal percentage during these last eight games is a robust 41.9 percent, which would lead the league by a wide margin if accomplished for the full season. Their overall shooting percentage is .471 during the eight-game stretch, while their opponents have shot .468.

High-scoring can be a good thing in today?s NBA. The three elite teams, Boston, Cleveland and the Lakers, all rank among the top eight in points per game.

But defense still counts for something. None of the best offensive teams that give up more points than they score ? namely Golden State, New York and Indiana ? are better than five games under .500.

Defense will be an issue for the Bulls (13-14) until they make

changes at the inside positions. Drew Gooden isn?t much of a shot-blocking threat. Starting center Aaron Gray does some things well but is limited. Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah have the potential to be strong defenders but are very inconsistent.

Expect to see more small lineups in the immediate future. Gooden will be out at least a week or two with a sprained right ankle. Thomas missed the past two games with a concussion. He should return this week, but it?s uncertain whether he will be available when the Bulls visit Detroit on Tuesday.

Another item on the Bulls? to-do list is to carry their offensive efficiency on the road. They are just 3-11 away from the United Center, while averaging 96.6 points. After facing the Pistons, the Bulls have a three-game road trip to Miami, Atlanta and New Jersey.

There should be room for the Bulls? offense to improve, since they still are waiting for forward Luol Deng to regain his old form consistently. Deng scored 19 points a couple of times last week but sat out the entire fourth quarter against Utah after going 3-for-11 from the field.

mmcgraw@dailyherald.com