Bulls game day

Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks at the United Center, 7 p.m. Thursday

TV: TNT

Radio: WMVP 1000-AM

Update: The Mavericks owned a 24-5 record until Dirk Nowitzki went out with a knee injury on Dec. 27. Nowitzki returned to action last weekend, but Dallas had lost 9 of 11 games heading into Wednesday's home date with the Lakers. Forward Caron Butler is out for the season with a knee injury. The Bulls pulled off an impressive 88-83 win at Dallas on Nov. 19, giving them a chance to sweep the season series for the first time since 1996-97.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at the United Center, 7 p.m.