BULLS 93, MAVERICKS 83: Luol Deng scored 22 points and Derrick Rose made a strong return to the lineup as host Chicago inched closer to securing home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Dallas dipped back into a tie for sixth place in the West with the Denver Nuggets.

Rose had missed three games with a foot injury and had played in only three contests since March 12 due to groin, ankle and foot ailments. He scored 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting and handed out eight assists.

The Bulls’ magic number to clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference is down to one and they lead the San Antonio Spurs by a game for the best overall record in the NBA.

Even with Rose returning to the court, the focus for Chicago was on the defensive end on Saturday. The Bulls held the Mavericks to 39 percent shooting, including 4 for 15 from 3-point range.

Dallas drew as close as 78-76 when Rodrigue Beaubois drove for a layup with 4:30 to play. But Chicago pulled away, using a 12-3 burst over the next three minutes to coast to the finish. Kyle Korver and Deng each hit 3-pointers during the burst while Rose added a jumper and an assist.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting. … Dallas will either be the No. 6 or 7 seed in the West. … Joakim Noah pulled down 14 rebounds for Chicago and is averaging 11.4 boards over the last five contests.