Bulls right in the playoff mix; visit Bobcats

Chicago is 1 1/2 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. In its last game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Chicago suffered a big 97-93 setback at the United Center.

Andres Nocioni had a career-high 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Chicago, which had a two-game win streak halted. The Bulls have lost five of their last seven games.

The Bulls now will take their postseason hopes on the road where they are 1-3 in their last four contests. Chicago is 15-21 on the road in 2005-06.

Meanwhile, Charlotte ended a three-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 125-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Gerald Wallace scored a Charlotte franchise-high 41 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Bobcats. Wallace buried 17-of-22 shots from the floor for the Bobcats, who have just two wins in nine tries.

Charlotte, which is 1-0 on a four-game homestand, will visit Cleveland and Minnesota after Friday’s game with Chicago.

The Bobcats are 4-2 in their last six road games and 6-31 as the guest this season.

Tonight’s matchup between Chicago and Charlotte is the fourth and final meeting of the season.

Charlotte leads the season series 2-1 after posting back-to-back wins.