Bulls wrap up road trip in Houston

This is the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. The Bulls are scheduled to host the Rockets on January 20, 2006 at the United Center.

The Rockets have won five straight after losing the last three meetings in this series. Chicago has lost three straight and five of its last six at Houston.

The last time the Bulls defeated the Rockets was on January 26, 2003 in the Windy City.

The Bulls are 2-3 on the current swing. On Friday, Chris Duhon scored 18 points and Ben Gordon added 19 off the bench, as Chicago knocked off the world champion San Antonio Spurs, 106-99, at SBC Center.

Duhon also had seven assists in the win over San Antonio for the Bulls, while Luol Deng added another 17 points off the bench for Chicago, which won its second straight game. Kirk Hinrich chipped in a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists in the win.

Chicago, which defeated the Lakers last Sunday at the Staples Center, is 2-4 on the road this season. The Bulls return home on Tuesday to host the Orlando Magic.

Houston has lost six straight games and begins a four-game homestand tonight. On Friday, Shane Battier scored 12 of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to an 86-81 victory over the Rockets at FedExForum.

The Rockets were once again without All-Star Tracy McGrady in the loss to Memphis. Jon Barry led Houston with 16 points off the bench, while center Yao Ming registered 15 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.

McGrady sat out his fourth consecutive contest with a strained back. Houston is 0-7 without him in the lineup this season. He is questionable for tonight’s game.

The Rockets are just 1-4 at home this season. They will also host Atlanta, Memphis and Boston on the current stand.