Bulls gearing up for Spurs

After back-to-back wins over Toronto and Cleveland, including an overtime affair Thursday night, the occasion seemed to call for a day off from practice.

But the Bulls were back on the floor for a short workout Friday at the Berto Center. Tonight's home game against San Antonio is significant, because a victory would give the Bulls their first three-game winning streak since April 2007.

Coach Vinny Del Negro spent most of his playing career with the Spurs but denied feeling any extra incentive to get a win against his former team and coach Gregg Popovich.

"I don't know if it's personal," Del Negro said. "The Spurs, just a great tradition there. I just have a ton of respect for Pop and Tim (Duncan) and what they've been able to accomplish. They play the right way. They respect the game. They get after it defensively. They share the ball. Everyone knows what their job is and that's why they've been so successful for so long."

Deng steps forward: Luol Deng has looked like a different player since returning from an ankle injury. In the wins over Cleveland and Toronto, he combined for 38 points, 22 rebounds and 5 steals.

"I think it's a combination of his health and also things we're running offensively," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We're getting him off slices and cuts. He's getting in passing lanes. He had 4 steals (against the Cavs) and is getting to the free-throw line. All those things add up and make a big difference."

Gooden's status unclear: Drew Gooden did not practice Friday. He was limited to 18 minutes off the bench against Cleveland because of a groin strain but did contribute 11 points and 6 rebounds.

"I know he was sore and struggled moving laterally, especially," coach Vinny Del Negro. "The effort was appreciated. He felt a little better (Friday), actually, which is good. What that means, I don't know. We'll see at the shootaround."