2012 NBA standings: Bulls half game behind Bucks in Central Division

The Chicago Bulls (7-7) have won two of their last three, including a split with the Central Division leading Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks (7-6) have lost four of their last five and now only lead the Bulls by a half-game. Behind the Bulls in the Central Division, the Indiana Pacers (7-8) are heating up and are only a half-game behind the Bulls and one game out of first.

In the bottom of the Central the Pistons have rebounded from their 0-8 start to get to 5-11, three games behind the Bulls. The Cavs sit in fifth place in the division at 3-12, four-and-a-half games behind the Bulls and a full five games out of first.

The Bulls hope to remain in the hunt until star point guard Derrick Rose is ready to return from knee surgery.

The Miami Heat hold the best record in the Eastern Conference at 10-3 and lead the Hawks (9-4) by one game in the Southeast Division.

The Knicks and Nets are tied atop the Atlantic Division at 10-4.

Chicago hosts the 9-6 Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m. CT.