by The Philadelphia Inquirer

Last year, under Maurice Cheeks and then Tony DiLeo , the Sixers' substitution pattern became as predictable as an alarm clock: going off at the same time each quarter.

Before last night's game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, Jordan, who has used about 11 players a game, said he was not necessarily looking to set a slimmer, more constant rotation.

"I think if I see a raise in play from one or two individuals that I say, 'Jeez, I've got to get him more minutes, I want to stay with this rotation,' " Jordan said. "I think we have people that add to what we could use on the floor.

"I just hope that our guys understand that we're trying to help the team by getting everyone involved."

Reserve guard Willie Green , last season's starting shooting guard, said the team understood that the rotation could be unsettled for a while.

"I think Coach is still trying to get a feel for who he wants to play and how many minutes that guy is going to play . . .," Green said. "Last year, the rotations were definitely set. You knew who was coming in at what time, what sub was coming in, who was going out of the game. Whereas this year, your number could be called at anytime. I think there are pros and cons to doing it each way."

Hurting

The Bulls were without 6-foot-10 forward Tyrus Thomas (broken left arm). Thomas had played three games, averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. Chicago also was without centers Aaron Gray (left fibula stress fracture) and Jerome James (Achilles tendon).

- Kate Fagan

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