Feb. 21--AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The Bulls are at full strength for just the second time all season and started their regular lineup for just the 17th time.
The Pistons? They're in transition after being active at Thursday's trade deadline. Neither of their new acquisitions of Reggie Jackson or Tayshuan Prince are in uniform, which means the Pistons only dressed 10 for Friday's game.
The Bulls took advantage, grabbing a 53-45 halftime lead behind Jimmy Butler's 14 points and 13 from Taj Gibson.
Coach Tom Thibodeau, who broadened his rotation to 10 players with his full complement, made it clear not to take the Pistons lightly as the Bulls aimed for their fifth straight victory.
"This team is dramatically different from when we played them the eighth game of the season," Thibodeau said. "We have to know them well. We have to know how well (Andre) Drummond is playing and know how well (Greg) Monroe is playing. (Caron) Butler and (Jodie) Meeks are proud veterans. (John) Lucas has played very well. (Spencer) Dinwiddie is tough. Cartier Martin can hurt you. They have a strong inside presence and guys who can really shoot. We have to challenge 3s. Their offensive rebounding is a problem. (Anthony) Tolliver changes the game as a stretch four."
Kirk Hinrich played four minutes after missing the last three games before the All-Star break.
