Bulls host Iverson, Sixers

Chicago plays the third of its season-long eight-game homestand. Andres Nocioni finished with 20 points and seven rebounds to lead the Bulls over Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics, 100-82, on Monday at the United Center.

Luol Deng contributed 14 points and six boards in the win over the Sixers for the Bulls, while Kirk Hinrich netted 11 for Chicago, which has won five straight after a six-game losing streak. Ben Gordon and Thabo Sefolosha both ended with 10 points in the victory.

The Bulls, who opened the homestand with a 112-94 win over the Washington Wizards, are 5-1 at home this season. They will also host the Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, Seattle SuperSonics and Milwaukee Bucks on the current stand.

Philadelphia has not played well since opening the season with three straight victories. On Sunday, Ricky Davis poured in 22 points and Kevin Garnett registered 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves knocked off the Sixers, 95-84, at the Wachovia Center.

All-Star Allen Iverson, who was just 6-of-19 from the field, ended with 26 points and seven assists for the struggling Sixers, who have dropped four in a row and eight of their last nine games overall.

On the injury front for Philadelphia, forward Kyle Korver (sprained left ankle) is questionable for tonight’s contest. Korver has missed two straight games with the injury. The sharp-shooting forward is averaging 13.3 points per game.

The 76ers are a dismal 2-8 on the road this season. They return home on Friday to host Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards.

This is the second time the Sixers and Bulls have met this season. On November 24th, Iverson posted a season-high 46 points and dished out 10 assists to lift the 76ers over the Chicago Bulls, 123-108, at the Wachovia Center.

Philadelphia has won four of its last six at Chicago. The Sixers have won three of the last four contests in this series.