Bulls 89, 76ers 80
BULLS 89, 76ERS 80: C.J. Watson had a team-high 20 points and Joakim Noah had a double-double to lead host Chicago over Philadelphia on Saturday without MVP Derrick Rose.
Rose sat out his third consecutive game with a strained groin injury and was seen struggling with a noticeable limp at a 75-minute walkthrough before the game.
The Bulls dominated on the glass, outrebounding the 76ers 53-39. Noah led Chicago with 11 boards to go along with 13 points.
The Sixers opened the game on 13-2 run and held a 44-38 advantage at the half. Watson caught fire in the third quarter in dropping 10 points, including two 3-pointers, to give the Bulls a 64-59 lead heading into the final frame. Philadelphia couldn't muster the firepower to find its way back.
Jrue Holiday had a game-high 30 points for the Sixers, who have lost three straight.
Chicago improved to 20-0 when holding opponents to fewer than 90 points.
Sixers center Spencer Hawes returned after resting his sore Achilles on Friday and had 10 points and seven rebounds.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The NBA's all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield were in attendance and received a warm reception from the Chicago crowd in the fourth quarter. … The 76ers haven’t taken a season series vs. the Bulls since going 3-1 in 2007-08. … The Bulls are 9-4 in games played without Rose this season. … The Bulls donned green jerseys in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.