Bulls welcome Warriors to Windy City

Chicago has lost two straight, including Monday’s 94-87 setback to Orlando, and is now six games behind Detroit for the top spot in the Central Division. The Bulls are third place in the standings and fifth overall in the East.

Ben Gordon registered 32 points against Orlando for the Bulls, who opened up a three-game homestand against the Magic. Luol Deng added 23 points, six rebounds, six steals and six assists in the loss.

Chicago will conclude its brief stand on Friday against the Hornets and is a conference-best 22-8 as the host this season.

While Golden State has won its last two meetings with the Bulls, including a 123-121 overtime win at home on February 9, Chicago has won five in a row over the Warriors at the United Center.

Golden State kicked off a five-game road swing in Milwaukee on Tuesday and fell by a 122-101 score.

Monta Ellis led six Warriors in double figures with 17 points and Al Harrington donated 15 points in the loss. Kelenna Azubuike tallied 14 points in defeat for the Warriors, who have dropped three in a row.

The team played without guard Stephen Jackson, who missed the game because of a small fracture in his left big toe. He is questionable for tonight’s game. Also, Josh Powell was forced out of last night’s game with a neck injury after diving for a loose ball.

The Warriors have lost four straight on the road and 11 of the last 13 as the visitor. The club, which is 6-22 on the road this season, will also visit New York, Washington and Detroit on its current swing.

Golden State is fourth overall in the Pacific Division but is just two games out of a playoff spot in the West.