April 04--The Bulls are trying to avoid dropping a season series to the Pistons for the first time since the 2005-06 season when Detroit invades the United Center Friday night.
Detroit (29-46) defeated the Bulls 107-91 on March 21 at Detroit. The Pistons also prevailed 100-91 on Feb. 20 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
"They started the season slowly, then they played real well for a long stretch," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "So they are establishing a style of play and they are a dangerous team."
The Bulls beat the Pistons 102-91 on Nov. 10 in Chicago. In their last encounter, the Pistons out-scored the Bulls 63-35 in the second half.
"Anytime I was around Andre (Drummond) all summer (on U.S. National team)...he's a great talent and he is only going to get better and better. You can build around that," Thibodeau said of the Pistons' center.
"And they've got a lot of shooting. They have a good mix of some good young guys. They made a trade at the All-Star break (acquiring guard Reggie Jackson from Oklahoma City), so I think there was an adjustment period. But they are a very good team."
Rookie Bulls guard Doug McDermott was available for Friday night's game after dealing with a sore back. Veteran guard Kirk Hinrich (hyperextended knee) and Derrick Rose (knee) are out.
fmitchell@tribpub.com
Bulls prepping for the playoffs
