Will mix-and-matched lineups hurt Bulls?

During eight preseason games, the Bulls had their projected starting lineup together just once, in the opener at Indiana on Oct. 2.

In five of the eight contests, the Bulls were missing at least two starters. Derrick Rose sat out seven games, Tyrus Thomas four, Brad Miller three and John Salmons two.

Given those circumstances, is this group ready to open the NBA regular season against San Antonio, Boston and Miami next week?

"It's definitely a little adversity, but I think teams go through it," said center Joakim Noah, one of the few Bulls with no preseason injury issues. "I think we're ready. We're ready to compete and we're ready to play against the big boys."

Said Salmons: "We've been playing well with all the injuries we've had. I think everybody's used to playing with each other. There are no adjustments that have to be made when people get back. So I think we'll be fine."

Before Friday's game, coach Vinny Del Negro was asked if preseason has been a waste of time.

"I don't think it's been a waste," he answered. "I always look at the big picture and try to save guys for practice and save guys for Thursday. Hopefully, it works out in our favor. It's a long season."

Miller goes long: The Bulls' best highlight Friday came in the second quarter when Lindsey Hunter threw a 45-foot, alley-oop pass to Brad Miller. Actually, better call that a lead pass.

The ball bounced off the front of the rim before it reached Miller, but bounded straight to rookie James Johnson, who took it in for a two-hand slam.

"I wasn't trying to throw a lob," Hunter said. "I was trying to have him catch it and reverse. It doesn't matter, we got a bucket off of it."

Pargo shows progress: After sitting out practice for few days, guard Jannero Pargo said Friday his injured hip felt much better. Pargo had surgery in June to repair a sports hernia and that seemed to be a contributing factor in this injury.

"It's muscular and (the doctor) thinks it comes from me compensating; putting a little too much stress and pressure on one side," Pargo said. "It's actually a lot better. (There was) a lot of pain just putting on shorts or putting on jeans, but right now I can do it with no pain. I'll be ready to practice Sunday."