Sixers Vs. Bulls Final Score: Chicago Drops Philadelphia, 89-80

Point guard Jrue Holiday made the most of his opportunity going up against Chicago's backup point guards in the absence of Derrick Rose (hamstring), but his 30 point effort proved futile as the 76ers dropped a road contest to the Bulls 89-80 on Saturday night.

Chicago played without both Rose and Rip Hamilton, and fell behind 11-0 early in the contest before crawling back. Philly's tight defense kept the Bulls in check for most of the evening, but a lopsided third quarter turned the game's momentum in Chicago's favor and it didn't relinquish it.

Holiday led all scorers with his 30, but was one of just two Sixers to score in double figures. Andre Iguadola, Elton Brand, and Evan Turner were held to just 15 points combined, and Philadelphia's offense was out of sync throughout much of the evening.

With the loss, Philly stands just a game above Boston for the lead in the Atlantic Division, pending the Celtics Saturday night result against Denver.

For more Philadelphia 76ers coverage, visit our team page or our blog Liberty Ballers.

76ers Vs. Bulls Halftime Score Update: Philly Starts Hot, Maintains Halftime Lead

After opening the game with an 11-0 run, the Philadelphia 76ers kept up their impressive play and lead the Chicago Bulls 44-38 at half.

The Bulls are having at it without Derrick Rose tonight, who continues to nurse a groin injury that has kept him out of three straight games. His absence has been felt, and Philadelphia has put on the defensive clamps, holding the Bulls to just 11 opening quarter points.

And while the 76ers defense has been its usual stout self, the offense hasn't been quite as efficient. Jrue Holiday leads all scorers with 15 points, and Philly has shot 46.2 percent from the field but just one of six from behind the three point line. Center Spencer Hawes, who has continued to work his way back from an Achilles injury, has chipped in eight points and four rebounds.

For more Philadelphia 76ers coverage, visit our team page or our blog Liberty Ballers.

Derrick Rose Injury: Point Guard OUT Against Sixers

According to the Chicago Bulls official Twitter account, Derrick Rose, along with Rip Hamilton, will not suit up Saturday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Rose and Hamilton out tonight. Everyone else is a go. #PHIvsCHI

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 17, 2012

Rose has missed the Bulls' last two games with a pulled groin. The Bulls have gone 1-1 in those games, including a stunning win over the Miami Heat. Chicago, like Philadelphia, will be playing the second game of a back-to-back on Saturday.

The Sixers and Bulls have met twice this season, with each team winning once. Both games were played at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The last time these teams met was less than two weeks ago on March 4, when Derrick Rose torched Jrue Holiday and the Sixers for 35 points and eight assists.

I'm sure the Sixers are pleased Rose will be in street clothes.

For more Philadelphia 76ers coverage, visit our team page or our blog Liberty Ballers.

76ers Vs. Bulls Preview: Philadelphia Visits Eastern Conference's Best

The Philadelphia 76ers look to bounce back from consecutive losses on Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls.