Bulls, Wizards meet in rematch of 2005 playoffs

The Wizards defeated the Bulls in six games in the first round of last year’s playoffs. Washington was then swept in the Eastern Conference semifinals by Miami.

Washington will attempt to get back on the winning track. On Thursday, Stephen Jackson scored 30 points to lead the Indiana Pacers over the Wizards, 111-87, at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Gilbert Arenas finished with 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the loss to Indiana for the Wizards, who have dropped eight of their last 11 games overall. Antawn Jamison ended with 16 points and 12 rebounds for Washington, which scored just 57 points over the final three quarters against the Pacers.

The Wizards are 5-3 at home this season. They have won two of their last three at the MCI Center.

Chicago attempts to get back on the winning track. On Friday, Kobe Bryant scored 23 points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out eight assists, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Bulls, 93-80, at the United Center.

Kirk Hinrich netted 26 points and dished out seven assists, while Mike Sweetney chipped in 22 points and grabbed 12 boards in the loss to the Lakers for the Bulls, who have dropped three of their last four games overall.

The news was not all sour on Friday, as Chicago retired Scottie Pippen’s No. 33 jersey at halftime. Pippen, a legendary Bull, spent 12 of his 17 NBA seasons in the Windy City, and, along with Michael Jordan, helped Chicago win six NBA titles (1991-93, 1996-98).

The Bulls are 5-5 on the road this season. They have won two in a row as the visitor.

The Wizards have won four of five and six of the last eight meetings in this series. Chicago has lost eight straight at Washington.

The last time the Bulls defeated the Wizards on the road was on April 11, 2001.