Starting would suit Sefolosha

Thabo Sefolosha made a pitch this week to remain in the starting lineup.

The second-year guard from Switzerland has started the past 10 games while Chris Duhon and Ben Gordon have been slowed by injuries.

"Obviously, I like it," Sefolosha said. "I like to start games. It gives me confidence. I think I'm learning much faster by being able to be on the court and make decisions out there."

The 6-foot-7 guard has been steady as a starter, scoring in double figures in seven of the 10 games. Turnovers weren't a problem until he piled up 9 in the two games against Minnesota.

Overall, Sefolosha is averaging 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals and shooting 45.5 percent from the field since becoming a starter. As a sub, he was averaging 2.6 points and shooting 29 percent.

Bulls coach Jim Boylan was noncommittal on whether Sefolosha will continue to start once Duhon is completely recovered from a bruised left knee.

Obviously, Sefolosha gives the Bulls some much-needed height in the backcourt.

"We'll see how things go, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Boylan said. "I like Thabo's size in the backcourt to start the game. It puts a little bit less pressure on either Kirk (Hinrich) or Du, who usually has to match up with a big guard out on the floor."

Gordon might play tonight: Ben Gordon appears to be on track to face the Sacramento Kings tonight. Gordon participated in Friday's workout at the Kings' practice facility and actually shot the ball right-handed, according to a witness. The 6-2 guard shot with his left hand the past few days.

Gordon, the Bulls' leading scorer at 19.6 points per game, has missed the past five games with a sprained right wrist. Officially, he's listed as a game-time decision.

Another late decision will be made on forward Joe Smith. He joined the team in Sacramento after missing the past two games with an illness. But Smith is still under the weather and did not practice Friday.

Luol Deng rode an exercise bike and did some light shooting Friday. It's possible he could try running on his sore left Achilles in the next few days.

Going to California: The Bulls were originally planning to return home after playing in Minnesota on Wednesday, then fly to Sacramento two days later. Jim Boylan changed the itinerary to go straight to California on Thursday morning.

He appears to have made a good choice, since the Bulls were chilling in Sacramento while Chicago was being snowed under.

"We have not performed well on the West Coast, so I thought changing things up a little bit going out early, see if that helps us, see if that brings us together as a team," Boylan said.

The Kings hosted New Orleans on Friday night, which meant Tyson Chandler and the Hornets were at the same hotel as the Bulls for two days.

Tonight's tipoff

Bulls vs. Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena, 9 p.m.

TV: Channel 9

Radio: WMVP 1000-AM

Update: When the Bulls beat the Kings 94-93 on Jan. 5 at the United Center, Sacramento was missing Kevin Martin, Ron Artest and Mike Bibby. All three players are back in the lineup, and heading into Friday's matchup with New Orleans, the Kings had gone 8-4 since that game against the Bulls.

Series history: The Bulls have lost eight straight games at Arco Arena. Sacramento and Golden State are the two places the Bulls have not won since the end of the championship era.

Next: Seattle SuperSonics on Monday at Key Arena, 9 p.m.

-- Mike McGraw