(My Sportsbook) - The Chicago Bulls have been playing much better recently but they will be facing a much sterner test tonight when the Orlando Magic invade the Windy City.

The Bulls won their third straight over pedestrian competition on New Year's Eve when Derrick Rose notched 22 points and Tyrus Thomas added 19 as Chicago handed Detroit its ninth straight loss, a 98-87 decision at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Joakim Noah recorded 15 points and 21 rebounds as the Bulls led wire-to-wire.

"Everyone's playing aggressive, playing with one another," Rose said. "Our biggest thing is defense. If we play defense, we'll be fine."

Chicago is just 3-11 against teams with winning records this season and will be facing a Southeast Division-leading Magic team that kicked off a three-game tour of the Midwest last night with a 106-94 win over Minnesota.

Rashard Lewis went 5-of-10 from beyond the arc on his way to 21 points in that one as Orlando used a late surge to take down the Timberwolves. Inserted in the starting lineup because of his ability to run the floor Matt Barnes added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Magic, who have won two in a row and five of six to improve to 24-8 on the season.

Ryan Anderson and Jameer Nelson chipped in 16 points apiece. Nelson also had six assists for Orlando, which snapped a three-game road losing streak.

"I bring energy, bring toughness, run the floor and try to guard their best offensive players, and just kind of bring a spark," Barnes said.

Orlando, which is 11-5 as the visitor on the year, will conclude its current road trip in Indiana on Jan. 5.

The Magic have won seven of their past eight meetings with Chicago, including three of four last season.