Pau Gasol, Kirk Hinrick, and Derrick Rose are all not playing against Portland, the third team on the Bulls’ 7 game road-trip. Hinrick has a chest contusion and might not play in the next game. Suddenly, the Bulls (8-4) look like the sitting wounded.

Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has a saying when players are hurt, “Next Man Up.”  Whoever is behind the player not playing, you go in and do the job.  This is looking difficult in the tough venue in Portland, where the Bulls haven’t won in 6 years. Remember, last time the Bulls played there, Rose tore his Meniscus muscle.

So, this place is a veritable “house of horrors” for Bulls’ fans.

Chicago lost their first road game in Sacramento, 103-88 last night.  Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 23 points. DeMarcus Cousins hit 22 and Rudy Gay netted 20 for the Kings.  The Bulls looked solid in the first quarter but struggled after the Kings took a lead on the strength of a great second quarter.

The Bulls will miss the inside play of Gasol tonight, and of course Rose. Hinrick has given the Bulls solid play since the start of the season.  They say tough times make you stronger. Well, it’s getting tough out there for Chicago.