Bulls Hand 76ers Costly Loss, 98-96

For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Bulls probably cost the Philadelphia 76ers home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Jalen Rose scored 32 points, including two free throws with two seconds remaining, leading the Bulls to a 98-96 victory over the 76ers on Monday night at Philadelphia.

The 76ers fell half a game behind Orlando for the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference. The Magic holds the tiebreaker--a 3-1 record against Philadelphia this season--should the teams finish even.

Last year, Philadelphia lost at home to Chicago in its final regular-season game, and it cost the 76ers home-court edge against the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

“Of course, home court is important in a five-game series, but I’m not going to make guys play when they are hurt,” Coach Larry Brown said.

Philadelphia, which clinched a playoff spot Sunday, rested center Dikembe Mutombo and also was without Allen Iverson (broken left hand), Aaron McKie (eye) and Derrick Coleman (hyperextended knee).

Eric Snow scored 21 points and little-used Jabari Smith added a career-high 14 for Philadelphia, which could finish anywhere from fourth to seventh in the East.

But Snow missed a three-pointer at the buzzer that would have won it.

“It’s a letdown,” said forward Corie Blount, who missed all seven of his shots while filling in for Coleman. “But in the Eastern Conference, it’s not that important because everyone is so evenly matched.”

Boston 93, Minnesota 90--Paul Pierce scored 31 points as the Celtics held on at Minneapolis.

The Celtics still have a chance to secure home-court advantage through the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Boston needs to win its last game at Atlanta, and Detroit must lose its games against New Jersey and Milwaukee.

After trailing for most of the game, Minnesota took advantage of Boston’s cold fourth quarter shooting and used a 19-8 run over the last eight minutes to pull within 91-90.

But Wally Szczerbiak missed both attempts after being fouled by Rodney Rodgers with 31.2 seconds remaining.