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?

[eddog2]

Who owns the tiebreaker between the Wizards & Magic should both teams finish tied for 7th? Also what if there is a 3 team tie with NJ included? It's very possible.

Here are the rules

TWO-WAY TIES

1. Results of games against each other.

2. Better winning percentage within own division (only if tied teams are in same division).

3. Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.

4. Better winning percentage against playoff opponents in own conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).

5. Better winning percentage against playoff opponents in opposite conference (including teams that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).

6. Better point differential between offense and defense.

MORE THAN TWO TEAMS TIED

1. If applicable, division champions must be determined first.

2. Better winning percentage in all games among the tied teams.

3. Better winning percentage against teams in own division (only if all tied teams are in same division).

4. Better winning percentage against teams in own conference.

5. Better winning percentage against teams eligible for playoffs in own conference (including team that finished the regular season tied for a playoff position).

6. Best point differential between offense and defense.

Note: If a multiple team tie is reduced to a two-team tie at any point using the above criteria, the two-team tie will be resolved in accordance with the existing two-team tie procedure.


I was looking at the standings and was scared that the Bulls might have to face Orlando so I decided to look into it. However, if there is a 3 team tie, NJ would get the best seed b/c they have a 6-2 combined record against Orl & Was. Washington has a 2-6 record and Orlando has a 4-4 record. However, once NJ is removed, it goes to the 2 team criteria above.

Whats really crazy is that both teams will have beat each other twice. Both will have the same conference (26-26) and division records (8-8) if Orlando wins tomorrow and Washington loses.

It then comes down to better record against playoff opponents. I didn't have that calculated but obviously Washington is in a hole starting at 2-6 vs Orlando at 4-4.

Okay, so hold you breath. Damn it. We'd be playing Orlando if we secure the second seed and if there is a 3 way tie or a 2 way tie involving them and Washington. Washingtons record against playoff teams from the east is a pathetic 8-18 (Arenas being injured didn't help) and Orlando's is 11-13 of which they are 2-1 vs the Bulls.

Orlando is one of the few teams I really don't want the Bulls to play. The Bulls struggle to match up against Howard and the Magic in general. Let's all pray for a Magic loss tomorrow against Miami b/c I don't want this scenario becoming a reality.