NBA - Bulls try to gain ground in D.C.

CHICAGO -Unpredictable can describe the Chicago Bulls season thus far. What?s certain is a road game Tuesday in our nation?s capital. Which Thib?s team shows up is still uncertain. The Wizards of late will surprise even the knowledgeable of fans.

At 27-46, the Wizards won?t be making the playoffs this year, though you couldn't tell of late. With a 20-17 record at home, the Wizards hope to extend their 7 game home winning streak and second straight against Chicago.

At 40-32, the Bulls are currently a 5 th seed in the Eastern Conference standings. Only a game and a half behind the 4 th seeded Brooklyn Nets (42-31) for 1 st round home court advantage.

Like most teams at this stage of a grueling 82-game schedule, the Bulls are banged up and are minus center Joakim Noah (plantar fasciitis), reserve Marco Belinelli (abdominal strain) and starters Derrick Rose and Rip Hamilton.

Nothing new to this battle tested Bulls roster, the bench will again be asked to carry the load. Which again means increased minutes for Nate Robinson, Nazr Mohammad and Jimmy Butler.

Although the Bulls have a winning road record, 19-16, they will have their hands full against the league?s 6 th ranked scoring defense. With the recent return of Point Guard sensation John Wall, the Bulls will have their hands full in their return to the Verizon Center where they attempt to gain a 2-1 series lead vs. the Wizards. (FG)