Well, this one got the national network's attention. There are only two NBA games tonight, both on TNT as the national doubleheader, and the Bulls and Spurs will lead it off at 7 p.m. CST.
The Bulls took an early lead on the Spurs in their only meeting so far this year in San Antonio, but the Spurs were too much for the Bulls in the fourth quarter and won 103-94. That's not too surprising -- the Spurs are 25-2 at home, losing only to the Hornets and Mavericks, and not at all since Nov. 26. They also have the league's best road record at 21-7.
But the Bulls are right behind San Antonio for best home record at 24-4; the losses are to the Knicks and Magic, and then inexplicably to the Clippers and Bobcats. The Bulls will have to step up their game, the same way they did in beating the Celtics at the UC on Jan. 8.
Don't expect Joakim Noah tonight -- they're saving him for the first game after the break on Feb. 23:
Joakim Noah engaged in a spirited game of one-on-one with Brian Scalabrine following the morning shootaround, but won't play until the first game after the break in Toronto.
"He's close," Thibodeau said. "We're happy where he is with his recovery."
Tonight is must-see TV, anyway -- again, it's at 7 p.m. CST on TNT.