CHICAGO, March 24 (UPI) -- Back-up guard Kirk Hinrich had 24 points and eight assists Tuesday to pace the Chicago Bulls to a 99-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Henrich filled in for Derrick Rose who was out with a bruised wrist. Rose's injury apparently was not serious, as X-rays and an MRI Monday showed no structural damage, but he missed his first game.
Each of Chicago's starters scored at least 15 points as the Bulls moved two games ahead of Charlotte and 2 1/2 games ahead of Milwaukee for the Eastern Conference's eighth playoff seed.
Ben Gordon had 19 points, Tyrus Thomas 18 points and 12 rebounds, John Salmons 16 points, and Joakim Noah 15 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago.
Will Bynum and Tayshaun Prince each had 20 points for Detroit. Antonio McDyess added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Pistons, who have lost five of six.
