The Chicago Bulls (13 - 8) defeated the Brooklyn Nets (8 - 12) 105 - 80 on Wednesday. Several Chicago players voiced their frustration and displeasure with their recent play after being defeated 112 - 102 by the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, and they came out to play with a purpose Wednesday, despite being without starting center Joakim Noah (ankle). Taj Gibson moved into the starting lineup in Noah's absence and put up 11 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in 31 minutes. Derrick Rose scored a game - high 23 points in just 24 minutes. The Bulls will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Brooklyn is dealing with several injuries and are mired in trade rumors surrounding several of their players, putting their status as a competitive squad for the remainder of the season in question. Brook Lopez is expected to miss the rest of this week with a back injury, while Joe Johnson missed a second straight game due to illness and Mirza Teletovic sat out with a hip pointer. Brooklyn's inability to score was their main issue Wednesday as the team shot a woeful 33 percent from the field. Several outlets reported during the game that Andrei Kirilenko and other pieces will be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Brandon Davies, but the trade is not expected to become official until Thursday. The Nets will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
["PlayerStat(G,'Taj Gibson') has 6 Blocks ,has 31 Minutes played ,has 11 Points ,has 10 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Derrick Rose') has 24 Blocks ,has 23 Minutes played ."]