[Thanks to bigballa for today's game preview, though I assume most will want to be in the trade threads. -ed.]

The Bulls returned to .500 with last night’s 118-85 trouncing of the New York Knicks at the United Center.  According to Elias, this is the Bulls most decisive regular-season win over the Knicks.  This was a game that never really felt in doubt (except for maybe some early Pargo time) and the Knicks, outside of David Lee, really didn’t put up much of a fight after the first quarter.  The Bulls look to make it two in a row tonight in New York in the second game of a back to back.  With the trade deadline looming, this could be the last time we see some of these players in their current uniforms.

 Derrick Rose was the main story again, as he was absolutely dominant last night, going 14-18 from the field for 29 points in only 27 minutes of play.  At one point he was 9-9 and it just looked like he could get whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.  Coming off of his first All-Star appearance, he looks to have picked up a bit more swagger from teaming up with some of the league’s best players this weekend.

 I expect a closer game tonight as the Bulls shot a ridiculous 60% from the field last night (yes even with Pargo chucking away) and there is no way they shoot like that again tonight.  The Bulls will be without Noah again as it’s been reported that he did not travel with the team to New York.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see him shut down for a lot longer.  There is no sense in bringing him back only to keep having to sit him out again and again because it isn’t healed.

 The Bulls should win tonight just because the Knicks are really bad and don’t seem interested in putting up too much of an effort overall.  They will play better though in front of the home crowd, so the Bulls will need to come out aggressive and….attack (sorry I tried but I couldn’t think of a better word there).

Check out the Knicks blog, Posting and Toasting as well.  A lot of interesting trade deadline stuff.