Chicago Bulls are charging into the All-Star break

Why it matters: Chicago is a basketball town, but it's been years since the Bulls have been relevant at the All-Star break.

The main reason they are playing well? MVP candidate DeMar DeRozan.

• DeRozan is currently breaking records that go back to 1963. On Wednesday, he became the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to score 35 or more points and shoot over 50% in seven-straight games.

The latest: DeRozan and teammate Zach LaVine are heading to Cleveland this weekend to play in the All-Star game, while rookie Ayo Dosunmu will play tonight in the Rising Stars game.

Good news: LaVine has been cleared to resume basketball activities after seeing a specialist about his knee and should be able to join the team next week.

What's next: Former NBA champ Tristan Thompson is joining the team.

• If you don't know Thompson from the court, you may know him from reality TV and his tumultuous relationship with Khloe Kardashian.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show DeMar DeRozan broke Wilt Chamberlin's record on Wednesday, not Thursday.