The Chicago Bulls are putting together one of the better runs of their season. The team has put together a solid defense which has them five games over .500 for one of the first times this year. The Bulls are looking to record their eighth win in nine games, but trying to get it against the Dallas Mavericks might be hard to do.

The Bulls are ranked as one of the top scoring defenses in the league right now, giving up just 91.3 points per game. They might be one of the lowest scoring teams, averaging just 92.9 points per game, but the defense is what has gotten them wins lately. Chicago has turned on the offense during their four-game win streak, putting up over 100 points in each matchup. 

Taj Gibson has been leading the charge. Against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, he put up 21 points while Jimmy Butler added another 16. Chicago's recent run includes five games of 100 points or more in their last 10 matchups. They only did that nine times in their first 47 games.

Chicago is trying to get the third seed in the Eastern Conference, chasing the Toronto Raptors for the spot. They have won the last four of six road games which works in their favor heading down to Dallas on Friday.

Dallas is currently also in the midst of their best run of the year, hitting 13 games over .500. The Mavericks could run into issues after Dirk Nowitzki left Wednesday's game with a shoulder injury that he says has been an ongoing issue for some time now. Dallas has won their last 10 of 12 games, which include four of five at home. 

Watch Chicago vs. Dallas, live stream.