Chicago Bulls Team Report - April 11

(Basketball News) - The Chicago Bulls will try to stay alive in the Central Division race this evening, when they take on the Detroit Pistons at the United Center.

Detroit currently owns a five-game advantage over the Bulls with just six games to play. The Pistons are assured either the second or fourth seed in the East playoffs, as they can’t catch top-seeded Miami and could only fall behind Chicago.

Chicago currently owns the four seed in the East, three games ahead of the fifth place Indiana Pacers. The Bulls have won three straight, 12 of 13 and 15 of their last 20 overall, including a 110-97 victory over Toronto on Saturday at the United Center.

Tyson Chandler recorded his team-high 18th double-double of the season as Chicago clinched its first post-season berth since Michael Jordan left the franchise in 1998.

Chandler scored a season-high 18 points and pulled down 21 rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich netted 19 of his 25 points in the second half to go along with eight assists for Chicago.

Antonio Davis registered 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Andres Nocioni chipped in 16 points. Othella Harrington added 12 points in the winning effort.

Chicago shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 6-of-15 (.400) from three- point range. The Bulls drained 24-of-27 (.889) from the free throw line and outrebounded the Raptors, 53-33.

The Bulls, who are finishing up a two-game homestand tonight, are 29-9 in their friendly confines this evening. Chicago has won 10 of its last 13 home games.

Chicago will once again be without forward Eddy Curry, who is being held out due to an irregular heartbeat. Curry has missed seven straight games.

Chicago has won two of three meetings between these teams this season after dropping the nine previous contests in the set. Detroit has won nine straight and 12 of its last 13 at Chicago.

Following tonight’s game, the Bulls will return to the road to face Washington at the MCI Center on Wednesday. Chicago will also host Orlando (Friday) and take on Atlanta (Saturday) at Philips Arena this week.