Bulls game day
Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers at the United Center, 7 p.m. Friday
TV: WCIU
Radio: ESPN 1000-AM
Outlook: All-star PF LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4 points, 11.1 rebounds) missed seven games with a back injury before returning Thursday and finishing with 25 points and 16 rebounds in Portland's 100-85 victory at Atlanta. After starting the season 24-5, the Blazers were just 4-9 in the 13 games before facing the Hawks. PG Damian Lillard is averaging 21.1 points, followed by SG Wesley Matthews (16.6 ppg) and SF Nicholas Batum (13.0). The last time the Bulls saw the Blazers (Nov. 22), they led most of the night, but not only lost the game but also Derrick Rose to a knee injury. The Bulls have lost five straight against the Blazers.
Next: Boston Celtics at the TD Garden, 6 p.m. Sunday
- Mike McGraw