Chicago
Bulls

Updated: January 9, 2009, 4:40 AM EST

Whether a complete roster will cure what's ailing the Bulls remains to be seen. Struggling with six losses in the previous seven games, the Bulls finally got on the right track by beating Sacramento, but shot less than 40 percent from the field for the third consecutive game.

"I wish I had an answer other than we are out of sync because of injuries and the schedule," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "You are not going to win many games shooting 39 percent."

They improved to 11-5 at home by beating the Kings, but the Bulls (15-20) can't expect things to come easy this weekend even though their two opponents, Washington and Oklahoma City, had the two worst records in the league through Tuesday.

The Bulls lost twice at home to the Wizards last season and had to battle before pulling out a 117-110 victory at the United Center on Dec. 6. Deng scored his season-high of 26 points in that game.

BULLS 99, KINGS 94: The Bulls nearly pulled off a record-setting night at the foul line, but needed some breaks down the stretch to beat Sacramento 99-94 on Tuesday at the United Center, snapping a three-game losing streak. With about a minute left in the game, the Bulls were a perfect 29-for-29 at the foul line, which would have been a franchise record. But they missed three times down the stretch, allowing the Kings to stay within striking distance. Sacramento guard Kevin Martin missed an open 19-foot jumper that could have tied the game with about 10 seconds left and the Bulls added three late free throws to seal the win. Guard Ben Gordon led the Bulls with 24 points, while Martin scored 29.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Sometimes you need a little luck to go your way. We still don't have our energy. Right now, for whatever reason, we're not crisp and that has to get better." -- Coach Vinny Del Negro, after the Bulls hung on to beat Sacramento 99-94 on Tuesday.

--G Derrick Rose drove to the basket aggressively against Sacramento on Tuesday to finish with 16 points and eight assists. All but one of his seven baskets came from within five feet of the rim.

--G Ben Gordon did most of his damage at the foul line during Tuesday's win over the Kings. He led the Bulls with 24 points, thanks to hitting 11-of-11 free throws.

--F Andres Nocioni got a haircut over the weekend, then missed his first 10 shots against Sacramento before finally knocking down a corner three-pointer early in the fourth quarter. He ended up playing just 12 minutes.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Luol Deng (ankle) turned his ankle in the third quarter of the Dec. 26 loss to Miami when he jumped to block a shot and landed awkwardly on his left foot. He may play Friday against Washington.

--G Kirk Hinrich (torn ulnar collateral ligament in right thumb) had surgery Nov. 11 after hurting the thumb while trying to swipe the ball out of Amare Stoudemire's grasp in a win over Phoenix on Nov. 7. Hinrich said the injury is healing ahead of schedule and is hoping to return to practice this week.

--F Michael Ruffin (sprained left ankle) has been sidelined since the second day of training camp. After being released and re-signed, he has been inactive for every game in the regular season. He returned to practice on Dec. 10.