Schedule's about to get a bit easier
CLEVELAND - The way they've played so far this season, the odds favor a first-round sweep even if the Bulls do make the playoffs. But the schedule offers a golden opportunity for this 14-19 team to climb back to .500.
The Bulls' next four games, all at home, are against the teams with the NBA's four-worst records as of Friday morning. Minnesota (6-25) visits the United Center tonight, followed by Sacramento (8-24), Washington (6-24) and Oklahoma City (4-29). Portland completes the five-game homestand
"I don't look at that," coach Vinny Del Negro said of the favorable schedule. "I think we'll be happy to be at home. We've had a tough little stretch here. If we don't come out and play hard, play together and move the basketball and get after it defensively, it doesn't matter who you play. We didn't play very well last game at home (against Orlando)."
Rough one for Rose: Derrick Rose might have had the worst game of his pro career Friday. He picked up 2 fouls in the opening 1:21 and eventually finished with just 3 points and 2 assists in 22 minutes.
Like many opposing teams, the Cavaliers tried to attack Rose right away. His second foul was a bump on Mo Williams that is often excused in the NBA.
"That's exactly what's happening. They're going at me, trapping me, shielding me away from the ball - all that stuff," Rose said. "It's going to happen, you just have to find some way to get used to it."
Four of Rose's last six games haven't gone well, either through foul trouble or poor shooting. Asked if the season is starting to wear on him, Rose was quick to disagree.
"I'm not wearing down at all," he said. "I'm only 20. I still can run out there. I'm not wearing down at all, not right now."
Gooden, Deng still out: Drew Gooden missed his seventh game with a sprained right ankle and his return remains uncertain. "Tomorrow's a possibility," coach Vinny Del Negro said before Friday's game. "I just don't know what percentage-wise. They say everything's on the right track."
No word on when Luol Deng might return from a sprained left ankle suffered on Dec. 26.
Bull horns: The Cavaliers are the first team to win their first 17 home games since both the Bulls and Orlando did it to open the 1995-96 season. The Bulls won their first 37 home games that year before finishing 39-2. ... Derrick Rose was named Eastern Conference rookie of the month for December, making him 2-for-2 in the category. Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook beat out O.J. Mayo for West rookie honors.