Star point guard Derrick Rose returned to the Chicago Bulls' starting lineup tonight, but forwards Taj Gibson and Luol Deng and guard John Lucas III are all out with injuries. Against the New Jersey Nets, playing without a full roster doesn't matter much. Even without three rotation players, the Bulls still hold a definitive talent edge over New Jersey, and have used it to help build a 59-43 lead at halftime.
Rose has 14 points, and threw down back-to-back dunks during one stretch in the second quarter. Starting center Joakim Noah is also playing well and full of energy. Noah has six points and seven rebounds on 2-of-4 shooting from the field. Guard Richard Hamilton, who scored his 15,000 career point in the first quarter, has 10 points and five assists at the half.
Guards Deron Williams (10 points) and Jordan Farmer (12 points) have led New Jersey.
Chicago is shooting 62.5 percent from the floor in the first half. The Bulls also hold an 18-2 edge over New Jersey in assists.
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