The Bulls showed some encouraging signs in their first two games after adding guard Larry Hughes and forward Drew Gooden from Cleveland.

During a loss to Houston on Sunday, the Bulls were able to play at a faster pace with their new streamlined lineup. But the Rockets buried 13 of 24 shots from 3-point range and pulled away late.

The following night in Dallas, the Bulls demonstrated some character by refusing to fold after the Mavericks jumped to an early 22-6 lead.

The outcomes, however, were road losses against two difficult Western Conference opponents. Now the Bulls get to see if they are good enough to win in the much weaker Eastern Conference.

Their final stop on a three-game road trip is Indiana on Wednesday. The Bulls are 2-15 all-time at Conseco Fieldhouse but have a chance to make up some ground. Like the Bulls, the Pacers are one of several teams playing poorly yet still within easy striking distance of the final playoff spots in the East.

MAVERICKS 102, BULLS 94: The Bulls had to deal with the celebrated home debut of Jason Kidd for Dallas on Monday. After arriving in a trade from New Jersey last week, Kidd's first three games for the Mavericks were on the road.

Dallas was clearly fired up at the start of the game and jumped to a 22-6 advantage. The Bulls battled back but couldn't overcome the early deficit.

Guard Kirk Hinrich received the first ejection of his NBA career late in the second quarter for arguing an out-of-bounds call.

After falling behind by 17 points early, the Bulls fought back to get as close as 57-55 midway through the third quarter. Dallas went back up by 13, but the Bulls were still within 93-88 with 2:39 remaining.

Ben Gordon led the Bulls with 25 points.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.