Wizards welcome Bulls to DC

Washington defeated the Charlotte Bobcats in the opener of the homestand, but suffered a 104-94 loss to mighty Dallas on Friday night.

Gilbert Arenas had 26 points to lead Washington, which had a three-game win streak halted. Antawn Jamison added 21 points and nine boards, while Caron Butler had 18 points for the Wizards, who have dropped five in a row against the Mavericks.

The Wizards, who are seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference playoff race, will close out their four-game stand on Tuesday versus New Jersey. Washington is 23-12 as the host this season.

Chicago, meanwhile, has lost two in a row and four of its last six games, including Saturday’s 85-84 loss to the Miami Heat at the United Center.

Dwyane Wade led five Heat players in double figures with 15 points in the close win for Miami.

Luol Deng paced the Bulls with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich contributed 15 points and seven assists for Chicago.

The Bulls are 1-3 in their last four road games and 14-19 away from the United Center this season.

Chicago is currently in ninth place in the East — just 2 1/2 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the eighth and final playoff spot.

Chicago leads the season series with Washington, 2-0, after notching wins on December 10 and January 27. It has won three of the last four meetings and will play the Wizards again on April 14.

Washington has won nine of the last 11 matchups with the Bulls in DC.