They have had nine players suit up in each of the past two games, and some of those were not fit.  They will face the same situation today against the Miami Heat, but for the Chicago Bulls this could be nothing compared to what is brewing on the horizon.

Leaving Charles Oakley back in Chicago as he will not be playing, it looks like Ron Artest has been studying the 17 year veteran, starting a tirade of his own.  Although he says he is doubtful for the game Artest will be making the trip, and he had some strong words for the Bulls brass.

"The Bulls are still rebuilding," Artest said. "If we were going to the playoffs, how can you sit out? But that's what management always says, 'We're rebuilding.' Right? So I have to rebuild my finger."

Sounds like sarcasm to us, but who are we to judge?  Only last week Artest was all for spending his career in Chicago, hoping for the trade deadline to come and go so he can sign his extension with the Bulls during the offseason.  How things change in a week.  When asked if he was traded to Indiana would he play or sit through his injury, Artest responded:

"Got to. Of course," he said. "You don't have a choice, you know? They're trying to win something. Here, I don't think some people believe in us enough."

Artest was quick to add he didn't include Bulls' fans in this list, saying the 'fans are cool', and that he plays to win.
"I'm sure there a lot of playoff teams who wouldn't mind me being on their team," Artest said. "I could stop a lot of guys. If somebody is playing in the championship against the Lakers, I could guard Kobe."

Meanwhile in Indiana the the Pacers had some reflection of their own.  Some players wondered if Sunday's win over Philadelphia would be the last time the team played as that group, referring to the trade rumors swirling around Jalen Rose and Travis Best coupled with the fact the team doesn't play again until Friday, the day after the trade deadline.

Rose seems to be conceding there is a strong chance he will be dealt, stating it is more a distraction to his family than himself, but if he is dealt he will just move on.  "There's nothing I can really do about it," Rose said. "I've stated that I want to play here, but I have no control over that. If they decide to deal me, I just have to move on."