Struggling Bulls battle Duncan and Spurs

The Bulls fired head coach Bill Cartwright after Sunday’s 110-99 loss to Sacramento, but the move did little to change Chicago’s fortunes, as the Bulls were pounded, 124-98, in Dallas under the guidance of interim coach Pete Myers.

Myers came into this season as a team scout. He is currently in his fifth season with the Bulls’ basketball operations department.

Tyson Chandler netted 17 points for the Bulls, who lost for the sixth consecutive time in Dallas.

Scottie Pippen left the game late in the first half for Chicago after taking an elbow to the face. He is questionable for tonight’s game.

The Spurs haven’t played since Friday when they hammered the Atlanta Hawks, 114-75, in a laugher at the SBC Center. Duncan tallied 25 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in just 24 minutes for San Antonio.

Tony Parker netted 17 points and added six assists in 19 minutes. Manu Ginobili had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, as the Spurs set a new season-high for points and won for the third time in four contests.

The Spurs have dominated this series in recent years, winning four straight and eight of the last nine meetings.

The Bulls have lost four straight in San Antonio. Their last win against the Spurs in Texas came on March 14, 1998, during Michael Jordan’s last season in Chicago.

Chicago is seeking its first win of the season against a Western Conference opponent, as it has failed in its first seven tries of the campaign.

The Spurs, meanwhile, are 5-1 against the East this year.