Bulls trail Magic 79-51 after three periods

By Fred Mitchell

With All-Star guard Derrick Rose out of the game and undergoing an X-ray examination of his injured left wrist, the Bulls trailed Orlando 79-51 at the end of three periods.

The Bulls, who haven't lost six straight since Nov. 14-24, 2006, have lost four in a row in Orlando by an average of 19.3 points.

The Bulls are in the midst of a five-team battle for the final four playoff spots in the East. The Bulls next four opponents are all playoff contenders.

Vince Carter had 21 points at the end of three periods for Orlando, and Matt Barmes had 14.

Rookie Taj Gibson led the Bulls with 12 points at the end of three periods.