Game #42, Sat, 01/23 Bulls @ Rockets

Brad Miller found out he was starting Saturday night in Houston less than 10 minutes before tipoff, then made the most of the opportunity.

Miller scored 25 points in place of the injured Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson added 16 points and 14 rebounds in the Chicago Bulls' 104-97 victory over the Rockets.

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Noah was listed on the starting lineup sheets handed out a few minutes before the game. But he told Miller in the locker room that he was going to sit out because of a left foot injury. Miller responded with a season-high point total, going 9 for 14 from the field.

"How many layups did I make? That helps your shooting percentage," Miller said after making his 10th start of the season. "You get those easy ones, and then the game flows and you just kind of get that confidence."

Noah was hoping to return Monday night in San Antonio.

"I just couldn't get going," Noah said. "I got a massage earlier, I just tried everything I could. The pain is just too much right now. I'm just happy we won the game. Brad played huge."

The 7-foot Miller sank two 3-pointers, went 5 for 5 from the free-throw line and grabbed a key offensive rebound in the final minute. He played three seasons in Sacramento for Houston coach Rick Adelman and said his familiarity with the Rockets' system helped him have a big game.

"I liked that staff, I've always been friendly," Miller said. "Must've brought a spark from the old days. I know how they're going to do every aspect of offense and defense. I always like to play well against them."

Derrick Rose scored 20 points, and Kirk Hinrich added 12 points and seven assists for the Bulls, who've won six of their last eight games.

Chicago led from start to finish, shooting 53 percent (39 of 73), going 7 for 12 from 3-point range and outrebounding Houston 42-32.