Deng set for return to starting lineup

Bulls forward Luol Deng should return to the starting lineup today at Philadelphia, coach Vinny Del Negro said.

Deng missed three games out West with a left hamstring strain, then came off the bench during the past two games at Utah and San Antonio. Larry Hughes will most likely join the reserves after starting the last five contests.

Now, Del Negro and the Bulls must return to the task of getting Deng comfortable in the offense. After signing a $71 million contract over the summer, Deng is averaging 13.1 points and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting 39.6 percent from the field - all well below his career averages.

"He's just got to be a little more consistent, and a lot of that has been I haven't done a good job helping him get involved early," Del Negro said. "I'm going to try to make an emphasis on that a little bit and we'll see how it goes."

Bulls meet peers: The two games this week against Philadelphia should give the Bulls a better idea of where they stand in the Eastern Conference.

Starting at the No. 6 slot in the East, a group of six teams are tightly bunched. Toronto, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and the Bulls were all separated by 11/2 games in the standings as of Saturday morning.

The Bulls haven't played any of those teams yet, but seem to have an edge based on strength of schedule. So far this season, the Bulls have faced 11 teams now at least 2 games above .500. Toronto, Miami and New Jersey played six each through Friday, while New York and Philadelphia have seen just five.

Rose gives thanks: Rookie Derrick Rose was able to spend a pleasant Thanksgiving at his mother's house in the South suburbs.

"It was nice," he said. "Last Thanksgiving I was in Memphis over at coach Cal's (John Calipari's) house. There are a lot more pictures being taken now. I'm signing a few more things now (for friends). It's different."

Bull horns: Center Joakim Noah practiced Saturday, but he felt under the weather and was excused early. "I think he's got a cold or the flu or something," Vinny Del Negro said. "Health-wise, he's not great right now." ... After essentially skipping practice on Friday, the Bulls' workout exceeded two hours Saturday... Here are two reasons why Philadelphia hasn't jelled, despite the addition of free agent Elton Brand: Andre Iguodala is averaging 13.3 points and shooting 40.1 percent, compared to 19.9 points and 45.6 percent last year. Center Sam Dalembert's scoring has dropped from 10.5 to 6.6 ppg.