Chicago Bulls ease past Houston Rockets

The Chicago Bulls have cruised to a 111-87 win over the Houston Rockets, leaving them fourth in the Eastern Conference.

The home side took a narrow lead into the break, before coming out strong in the second half to open up a commanding lead.

Mike Dunleavy was forced into the locker room in the second quarter after being caught in the eye by an elbow, leaving a trail of blood across the court, but was able to return to score 21 points after receiving 10 stitches.

The Bulls had five other players reach double figures to leave the team win three wins from their last five games.

Jeremy Lin tried to keep the Rockets in the game, adding 21, but Dwight Howard and James Harden were held to a combined total of 20, condemning the team to back-to-back defeats.