NEWARK, N.J -- If it seems like the Bulls just played the New Jersey Nets, there's a good reason for that -- it's because the teams met six days ago in Chicago.

The Bulls registered a 90-81 victory in a matinee on New Year's Eve at the United Center, and I asked Bulls forward Luol Deng if it was an advantage or a disadvantage to play a team again so soon.

"It's kind of both," Deng said before tonight's game at the Prudential Center. "I think a lot of times you don't want to see teams right away, especially after you beat them. You know, guys get up for games like that and I'm sure Jersey's waiting on us.

"Then again, we have the confidence that we beat them."