Bulls try to make it two wins in a row vs. Magic

In Chicago’s season opener last night in Miami, Kirk Hinrich celebrated his new contract extension by scoring 26 points and Chris Duhon added 20 in a 108-66 rout at American Airlines Arena.

The Bulls spoiled Miami’s special night as the Heat players received their rings from last season’s championship run. New Bulls center Ben Wallace had five points, 11 rebounds and one block, while Luol Deng netted 12 points to help spoil the South Beach celebration.

Bulls swingman Tyrus Thomas broke his nose during a collision in the second half and will return to Chicago to get a mask specially made for him on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic try to open their season just like Chicago did when they kick off the 2006-07 campaign tonight.

Orlando missed the playoffs last season but will return a young and healthy bunch this year in power forward Dwight Howard and guards Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick. Center Darko Milicic and forward Grant Hill will round out the possible starting five for the Magic.

Howard led the Magic in scoring (15.8 ppg) and rebounding (12.5 rpg) and shot an impressive 53.1 percent from the floor last season. Howard, who was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, has become the cornerstone of this franchise.

Nelson had a solid 2005-06 campaign, averaging 14.6 points and a team-best 4.9 assists. Milicic was acquired in a trade from the Pistons during last season and averaged 7.6 points and 4.1 boards in 30 games.

Magic head coach Brian Hill enters his second season with the team after recording a 36-46 record last year. Hill guided the team to 16 wins in its last 22 games of the 05-06 season and battled to the end for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.

Hill served as head coach of the Magic from 1993-97 and is the most successful coach in franchise history. Orlando didn’t do much in the offseason to improve the already-talented squad and signed guard Keith Bogans to add depth on the bench.

The Magic have dropped six of seven and nine of the last 11 meetings with Chicago. They have also lost five straight at home in the series.