Chicago Bulls Team Report - March 7

(Basketball News) - The suddenly struggling Chicago Bulls will attempt to snap a three-game losing streak tonight, when they complete a home-and-home against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center. Chicago hasn’t lost four in a row since beginning the season with nine straight losses.

Thanks to its woes, the Bulls have slipped into seventh in the East, one game behind fifth place Cleveland and 1 1/2 contests ahead of eighth place Philadelphia. Chicago’s recent woes continued on Saturday, falling 95-87 to these Bucks at the Bradley Center.

Kirk Hinrich had 24 points and Ben Gordon contributed 20 for the Bulls in the defeat. Tyson Chandler registered 10 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, while Antonio Davis posted 10 points in the contest.

Hinrich remains the Bulls’ top scorer with 15.5 points per game, while dishing out a team-high 6.7 assists and grabbing 4.1 rebounds in each contest. Chandler is the squad’s top rebounder (9.1 rpg) despite coming off the pine.

Eddy Curry has been Chicago’s most consistent post player, recording 15.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per affair.

Chicago shot 44 percent from the field, including 5-of-23 (.217) from three- point range. The Bulls drained 10-of-14 (.714) from the free throw line. Chicago lost the rebounding war, 49-43, while committing 19 turnovers which led to 23 Milwaukee points.

The Bulls, who are playing their lone home game in the midst of a six-game stretch, are 18-11 in their friendly confines this season. Chicago has won three of its last four home tilts.

Chicago will have to do without rookie guard Luol Deng for awhile, as he has an injury to his right lateral ankle ligament. Deng is supposed to be on the shelf for anywhere from two to four weeks.

Following tonight’s contest against Milwaukee, the Bulls have a day off before beginning a three-game road trip in Portland. Chicago also will play Seattle (Friday) and the Los Angeles Clippers (Sunday) on the short swing.