Bulls pay a visit to Indiana

Chicago is fifth in the Eastern Conference playoff race and ended a two-game losing streak with Thursday’s 109-108 win over the Denver Nuggets at the United Center.

Rookie Tyrus Thomas tipped in the game-winning layup with two-tenths of a second on the clock, as the Bulls halted Denver’s season-high five-game winning streak.

Ben Gordon scored 25 points for Chicago, which wrapped up a short two-game homestand. Luol Deng posted 22 points and a season-high tying 14 rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich notched 21 points and eight assists for the Bulls.

Chicago, which is four games off the lead in the Central Division, owns a 14-21 record away from the Windy City this season.

Meanwhile, Indiana will continue a three-game homestand and posted just its second win in 15 games with Friday’s 95-70 victory over the Miami Heat in the opener of the stand.

Danny Granger netted 22 points and Mike Dunleavy Jr. added 20 points, as the Pacers are caught in a three-way tie with New Jersey and Orlando for seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Jermaine O’Neal posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers, who are 20-14 at home this season and will close out the stand on Tuesday versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sunday’s game between Central Division rivals is the fourth and final meeting of the regular season. The Bulls are 2-1 so far in the season series and have won three of four and four of the last six matchups.

Chicago has lost two straight, 16 of 17 and 17 of its last 19 at Indiana.