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Chicago Bulls Must Finish Season Strong to Be Playoff Ready

By Paul Steeno

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After 80 regular season games and over 4,000 minutes of blood, sweat and tears poured out on the hardwood, the third playoff spot in the Eastern Conference comes down to two more regular season games. The Chicago Bulls and the Toronto Raptors are the two teams vying for this one position. The winner of the third seed will get a first round match-up against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team that falls to the fourth playoff position gets the Washington Wizards, a very dangerous team. Let the fun begin.

Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts to the referee issuing him a technical foul for slapping the backboard during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. The Magic won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulls are currently tied with the Toronto Raptors for the third position in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for the Bulls, they are at a disadvantage in the race for the third seed. The Raptors clinched the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference and, therefore, earned precedence over the Bulls should the two teams end the season with identical records. With two games left on the schedule for both teams, the race for the third playoff position in the East is truly coming down to the wire.

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The Bulls’ penultimate game comes on Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are currently fighting for their playoff lives as they look to retain their current eighth spot position for the remainder of the season. With so much at stake for the Nets in terms of playoff implications, the Bulls are going to have to approach this game with a playoff mentality if they hope to come out with a win.

Apr 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (right) reacts after guard Derrick Rose (left) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, the Bulls conclude the 2014-2015 season with a match-up against the top seeded Atlanta Hawks. Ironically, this game might be easier for the Bulls to win than the game on Monday against the Nets simply because the Hawks have nothing to play for. Atlanta has already clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs and will likely rest the majority of their starters.

Apr 12, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (middle) watches from the bench against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 108-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ultimately, even if the Chicago Bulls finish the season a perfect 2-0 in the remaining games, the Raptors control their own destiny. Toronto ends the season facing the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets. The Celtics are a dangerous team to face at this point in the season because they are battling for the final playoff spot. Boston is going to approach this game with a Game-7 mentality; will the Raptors match this intensity? The game against the Hornets could be another tough challenge. Although the Hornets are eliminated from playoff contention, the players could approach this game as their last opportunity to solidify their claim for a position on the roster for next season; thus prompting the team to play hard collectively.

Prediction: The Bulls are likely going to have to win both games in order to earn that third playoff spot. With the playoffs quickly approaching, the Bulls need to flip that switch and start playing hard every night no matter the opponent. If the Bulls have flipped that switch (and I think they will approach the next two games with a playoff mentality), they will take care of the Nets and Hawks this week and give themselves a fighting chance to get the third seed. Therefore, the Bulls are going to win both games, and the Raptors are going to fall to the Celtics. This will give the Bulls an edge in the playoffs standings.

Apr 11, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-107. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Besides playoff seeding implications, there is another incentive for the Bulls to finish off the regular season on a high note. Chicago’s starting five has only been intact on 21 different occasions this season. Although the Bulls own a 16-5 record when all five starters are healthy and playing together, the chemistry and cohesiveness is still a little lacking. The final two games this week offer a perfect opportunity to fine-tune any areas that need improvement and will allow the players to continue to develop on-court chemistry by playing in games together. Additionally, Derrick Rose will use these games as two more opportunities to elevate his confidence and refine his game after a long lay-off due to another major knee surgery.

The Chicago Bulls have an opportunity to use these final two games of the season as a springboard for their playoff push. It is a final dress rehearsal; a chance to refine their skills and continue to build the confidence they need in order to be successful in the playoffs. If the Bulls approach next week with a playoff mindset, they can carry over that confidence into the playoff games when the stakes are the highest.

Next: Will Bulls Face a Tough Road Once Playoffs Arrive?

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