Actually, there's nothing suspicious about it.  Dude just hurt his back in Chicago's win over the Clippers last night, so he won't play.  But I'm willing to be at least a couple of you jumped to conclusions when you heard the news.  No doubt, though, not having him in the lineup does serious damage to the Chicago attack.  Deng can play, no doubt.  Here's the rest of the news you'll want to know heading into the game:

• Ronny Turiaf's injured ankle is on its way back, but he won't play tonight.  Nothing to worry about, as it's more precautionary than anything.  Given where the Lakers are in the season, it doesn't make sense push him.  Cobe Karl and Javaris Crittendon are your other LAL inactives.
• For the Bulls, Deng will be joined in street clothes by JamesOn Curry (loved him at OSU) and Victor Khryapa (saving us some tricky in-game typing).
• No word yet on who will start at the four for the Lakers.  It's possible that, given the matchups, LO could slide down there (Tyrus Thomas is more athletic than physical), or perhaps Vlad Rad or Brian Cook again.  Cookie is listed as a "probable starter," but that doesn't really mean much.  The physicality of Andres Nocioni, who will likely start at SF for Chicago, could play a role in who starts, or at the very least where LO gets a lot of run tonight.  If PJ wants to keep Odom away from a lot of excess contact, he might be better off at the four.  On the other hand, he ought to be able to use Nocioni down low. 
• PJ said that Luke has been struggling a little with an ankle he turned in the Houston game, but that Walton also is still adjusting to his new role.  Jackson has liked some of what Luke has done, but seemed to agree that there was room for improvement.
• It's sort of a modified taco night, so I'm stoked.  They've actually classed TN up a little, so I'm really looking forward to dinner.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Audio:

• Turiaf: Download ronny_turiaf_11.18 preCHI.mp3
• PJ: Download phil_jackson_11.18 preCHI.mp3

BK