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CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bulls have proved they can beat the NBAs elite. But they havent been nearly as impressive against the leagues also-rans.The Bulls are a week removed from toppling the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers and are coming off handing the San Antonio Spurs their first road loss of the year. But the Bulls, who have already lost to one last-place team, welcome another one, the Miami Heat to the United Center on Saturday night.The question that begs answering is simple: Which Bulls team shows up?We talked about it after the Cleveland game, so thats the scary thing, Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said after Chicagos 95-91 over the Spurs on Thursday night. If we go out with that type of focus, well win a lot of games. It cant just be against the top teams. Its got to be every night.The Bulls (12-10) will put that focus to the test against the Heat, who lost for the fourth straight time Friday night in a lopsided 114-84 setback at Cleveland. Miami (7-16) shot a season-low 34.8 percent from the field in the loss and was 6 of 27 from 3-point range.The 30-point differential provided the Heats worst loss of the season and the 84 points also was a season low.The Heat, who were led by Derrick Williams 17 points, were short-handed and played with the league minimum of eight players. Miami captain Udonis Haslem was excused from Fridays game for personal reasons.According to the Miami Herald, a team spokesman said Haslem was not with the team and it was uncertain whether Haslem would play in Chicago, according to the Herald.The Heats lack of depth showed against the Cavaliers. But the play of center Hassan Whiteside, who was benched after scoring eight points on 4-of-10 shooting didnt help matters either.Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Miami would wash this one off and get ready for Chicago. But Spoelstra made it clear he expected more from Whitehead.This league is for competitors only, Spoelstra said.Added point guard Goran Dragic, who scored 15 points: Hes our franchise player and we need him. When he plays like that, our chances to win are smaller. Its tough when hes not at the level he can be.But whether the Bulls can capitalize on the Heats struggles will depend on whether they can play to the level they have showcased against premier competition.Against the Spurs, Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and the Bulls snapped a three-game skid despite Jimmy Butler seeing his streak of games in which he scored at least 20 points end at 15.But the return of Doug McDermott, who had been out with concussion symptoms, sparked Chicagos bench as the Bulls knocked off another top team. All five starters reached double figures and the Bulls led by as many as 18 points before holding on down the stretch.The Bulls will attempt to carry the momentum of Thursdays win over to Saturday against the slumping Heat.We know we can play with the best and lose with the worst, Bulls guard Rajon Rondo told reporters Thursday after nearly notching his second triple-double of the season. . The Dane followed up his first European Tour title last weekend with eight birdies and just a single dropped shot on Thursday for a one-stroke advantage over South Africas Allan Versfeld and Portugals Ricardo Santos. . LUCIE, Fla. . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. . Andrew Luck lost his favourite target and the Indianapolis locker room lost one of its most revered leaders when Reggie Wayne was diagnosed Monday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will cost him the rest of the season. PHOENIX -- Closer Fernando Rodney and the Arizona Diamondbacks have finalized a $2.75 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn an additional $4 million in performance bonuses.Rodney agreed to the deal earlier this week, and it was completed Friday after he passed a physical.He can earn $1.25 million based on relief appearances: $250,000 each for 40, 50 and 60, and $500,000 for 70. He also can make $2.75 million based on games finished: $250,000 for 40, $500,000 each for 50 and 60, and $750,000 apiece for 65 and 70.Rodney was an All-Star for thee third time this year, saving 25 games in 28 chances with San Diego and Miami, which acquired him on June 30.dddddddddddd While he had a 0.31 ERA for the Padres and was perfect in all 17 chances, his ERA climbed to 5.89 in 39 games with the Marlins.Rodney, who turns 40 on March 18, has 261 saves and a 3.69 ERA in 14 major league seasons. He joins a bullpen projected to include Randall Delgado, Jake Barrett and Enrique Burgos. ' ' '
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