Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - The
Washington Wizards try to win their fourth road game in five tries when they travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls at United Center.
Washington has won eight of its last 12 games, but is coming off a 103-94 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. In defeat, Michael Jordan reached yet another career milestone.
Jordan scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half and surpassed Wilt Chamberlain as the NBA's third all-time scorer. He passed Chamberlain's total of 31,419 points on a fadeaway jumper after working with his back to the basket.
"It summarizes the effort I've given throughout my career. But the thing about stats is they define you when you're 10 or 20 years past the game," Jordan said. "While you're playing, what matters is wins ... Their defense really kind of got us baffled in the second half and we were not able to get into the rhythm we wanted to get into."
Jerry Stackhouse returned after missing four games with a groin injury and led the Wizards with 26 points. Stackhouse temporarily got the Wizards back in the game in the fourth quarter.
Despite the milestone he reached, Jordan shot just 9-of-21 from the field.
Wizards coach Doug Collins said he felt some of Jordan's shots were makable.
"He just missed them," Collins said.
Washington is 7-12 on the road and has a 16-13 mark within the Eastern Conference.
Chicago has lost six of its last eight games, most recently a 94-91 setback at the hands of the Orlando Magic. Jalen Rose led the way with 28 points, while Marcus Fizer and Rick Brunson added 17 points apiece.
"We didn't execute well, and that was disappointing," Chicago coach Bill Cartwright said. "We had some guys with some real nice opportunities to make shots and they didn't. I was hoping we' have some better performances, but we just didn't."
Jordan and his Wizards have captured both meetings against Chicago this season, posting wins both at home and on the road. Washington has won 10 of the last 16 meetings. The Bulls have dropped three straight and six of their last eight at Washington.
Chicago leads the all-time series 89-78.