Potential Playoff matchups Options

[RME JICO]

The Bulls are currently in the #5 slot for the playoffs and the only other realistic position looks like the #2 if they overtake Cleveland.

Right now the #5 will play the Southeast Division winner (Washington/Miami) while the #2 plays the #7 (New Jersey/Orlando).

Who would you guys rather see the Bulls play?

Obviously the #2 would have home court advantage where the Bulls have dominated, but as of right now they are #5.

So the second question is, if they stay at #5, would you rather go to Washington or Miami?

[truthandbasketba...]

Washington have back to back games of Orlando in Washington and Indiana on the road. Depending on how bad the Pacers want a draft pick this will most probably end up in a loss and a win. If a miracle happens though and the Pacers decide to get the win we'll be in business. Then the Nets would have to beat New York and us in their final game to leapfrog the Wiz.
Heres an open question to everyone .....

Do you think Skiles is the type to strategically throw a game while we're chasing 50 wins for better playoff positioning?

The way I see it we can beat any given team if we play to the best of our ability and we've shown we can do it through out the year with moments of brilliance here and there. Home court advantage will also be in our favor and thus far we're a force to be reckoned with inside the UC. My heart wants to give a strong showing in our last game against the Nets in case we play them in the first round but my mind says to rest our starters for most of it in case they get hurt. Either way this is a great time to be a Bulls fan when instead of "Will we make the playoffs?" we're sitting here discussing who we can beat in a given series.

At this point, I think the East is really up for grabs and although it won't be easy this team has shown the type of ability that is needed to make a great run and possibly take the East. There's a few teams who might give us some headaches, Toronto and Orlando are ones that have caused some problems with us this year and despite our last game against them the Nets aren't a cakewalk either if Carter and Kidd get hot. But witnessing the hustle and ever developing ability of our team as a whole i feel that we've come together when it really counts. Our nice run during the homestretch of this year should help us be a confident playoff team.
When you look at the NBA level these players are talented and many already have the physical gifts. The playoffs is a test of both physical and mental ability to perform under pressure. I think that Skiles despite his flaws has shown these kids that they can win with him and as a result they believe in themselves and for this reason we'll see some postseason success this year. He's a great X and O guy coming out of timeouts and this will be something that will give us an advantage in a tight game. Plus Tyrus' high flying act adds a new dimension to the offense for inbounds plays. The depth of our bench with Noc, Du, Thabo and Tyrus backing up our starters will be a huge boost as fatigue adds up. Gotta love our chances!!!

[RME JICO]

Washington have back to back games of Orlando in Washington and Indiana on the road. Depending on how bad the Pacers want a draft pick this will most probably end up in a loss and a win. If a miracle happens though and the Pacers decide to get the win we'll be in business. Then the Nets would have to beat New York and us in their final game to leapfrog the Wiz.
Heres an open question to everyone .....

Do you think Skiles is the type to strategically throw a game while we're chasing 50 wins for better playoff positioning?

The way I see it we can beat any given team if we play to the best of our ability and we've shown we can do it through out the year with moments of brilliance here and there. Home court advantage will also be in our favor and thus far we're a force to be reckoned with inside the UC. My heart wants to give a strong showing in our last game against the Nets in case we play them in the first round but my mind says to rest our starters for most of it in case they get hurt. Either way this is a great time to be a Bulls fan when instead of "Will we make the playoffs?" we're sitting here discussing who we can beat in a given series.

It is not possible yet, because if the Bulls lose and the Cavs win their last 2, they are the #2 seed. So a win vs NJ is huge, one for the #2 seed and for the 50 wins plateau.

Also, there are 3 teams that can get the #7 seed, WAS, NJ, and ORL. If Orlando wins their last 2, and NJ loses their last 2, we play ORL. It looks like everything will be really clear after Tuesday.

I say go for the win, and not worry about what the other teams do, it is out of your control.

[truthandbasketba...]

It is not possible yet, because if the Bulls lose and the Cavs win their last 2, they are the #2 seed. So a win vs NJ is huge, one for the #2 seed and for the 50 wins plateau.

Also, there are 3 teams that can get the #7 seed, WAS, NJ, and ORL. If Orlando wins their last 2, and NJ loses their last 2, we play ORL. It looks like everything will be really clear after Tuesday.

I say go for the win, and not worry about what the other teams do, it is out of your control.

I hadn't done the math but the way I heard it reported yesterday we had already secured the 2nd seed. I had to work during the game so I watched a replay later and the commentators actually said "with a win here Chicago guarantees themselve the second seed". If thats bogus and we need this win to lock it all up then its a no-brainer and my question doesn't matter. I thought we were dealing from a position of having locked up 2nd seed and had the ability to rest our starters for the last game and possibly dump one for a better playoff scenario. Even in that position I would choose going for the win because its the right way to end the season in my book. I was just curious as to what Skiles would do and if people on this board felt he would lean one way or the other based on what weve seen of his character to this point.