Race to the Playoffs (After April 11th, 2009 Games)

April 11th, 2009 by Andrew Wamboldt

Tonight was a big night for the Bulls in their playoff hunt. First, the Detroit Pistons fell to the Indiana Pacers 106-102. Then the Bulls finished off the Charlotte Bobcats 113-106 at the United Center. If the Bulls beat the Pistons on Monday, they will secure the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference.

So right now, here is how the Bulls playoff race is stacking up:

5. Miami Heat (Clinched Playoff Spot)

Record: 41-38
Record Ceiling: 44-38
Record Floor: 41-41
Max Seed: 5th
Lowest Seed: 8th
Tie Breakers: Philadelphia, Chicago
Undecided Tie Breakers Detroit (winner of matchup)

Remaining Schedule:

vs. New York
@ Atlanta
vs. Detroit

6. Philadelphia 76ers (Clinched Playoff Spot)

Games Back: 1.0 games behind Miami
Record: 40-39
Record Ceiling: 43-39
Record Floor: 40-42
Max Seed: 5th
Minimum Seed: 8th
Tie Breakers: Chicago
Undecided Tie Breakers: Detroit (winner of matchup)

Remaining Schedule

@ Toronto
vs. Boston
@ Cleveland

7. Chicago Bulls (Clinched Playoff Spot)

Games Back: 1.5 games behind Miami, 0.5 games behind Philadelphia
Record: 40-40
Record Ceiling 42-40
Record Floor: 40-42
Max Seed: 5th
Lowest Seed: 8th
Tie Breakers: None
Undecided Tie Breakers: Detroit (winner of matchup)

Remaining Schedule:

@ Detroit
vs. Toronto

8. Detroit Pistons (Clinched Playoff Spot)

Games Back: 2.5 games behind Miami, 1.5 games behind Philadelphia, 1.0 games behind Chicago
Record: 39-41
Record Ceiling: 41-41
Record Floor: 39-44
Max Seed: 5th
Lowest Seed: 8th
Tie Breakers:
Undecided Tie Breakers: Philadelphia, Detroit (winner of matchup), Chicago (winner of matchup),

Remaining Schedule:

vs. Chicago
@ Miami