Bulls trail Bobcats at halftime

By K.C. Johnson

Weaknesses most of last season, defense and rebounding are two improved areas for the Bulls thus far this season.

Until Saturday's first half.

The Bulls trail Charlotte 53-46 at the United Center after surrendering 50 percent shooting and allowing 12 second-chance points by the Bobcats. Boris Diaw's 14 points leads Charlotte.

John Salmons leads the Bulls with 16 points, 14 of which came during the first quarter. Joakim Noah is nearing another double-double with 11 points and seven rebounds.

But Luol Deng is shooting just 1-for-7 and the Bulls again are struggling from the field at 41.5 percent. The Bulls have yet to crack 42 percent this season.