NBA: Philaldelphia 89, Chicago 81

CHICAGO, March 9 (UPI) -- Kenny Thomas scored 11 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and had 13 rebounds Tuesday as the Philaldelphiathe 76ers beat the Chicago Bulls, 89-81.

The 76ers, who won their third straight, are in danger of missing the postseason for the first time in six years, a stretch that has seen them reach the conference semifinals four times. With top scorers Allen Iverson and Glenn Robinson sidelined with injuries, Thomas has taken charge with nine straight double-doubles, averaging 18 points and nearly 13 rebounds in that span.

The Bulls closed to 78-75 with 2:22 to play. A Thomas jumper made an 82-75 bulge with 1:27 remaining.

Aaron Mckie scored 21 points for the Sixers (27-38), who remained 1 1/2 games behind Miami and Cleveland, who are tied for the East's final playoff spot.

Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry each scored 18 points for the Bulls.