It's not over yet! Bulls 1/2 game out of the playoffs!

By Sean Mackey

The Bulls pulled out two desperately needed wins this weekend against the New Jersey Nets and the "rival" Detroit Pistons. After losing a ridiculous blowout to the Miami Heat last Thursday night, Chicago was able to rebound blowing out the Nets by 23 points and the Pistons by 7. While all this was going on, the Toronto Raptors were continuing their downward spiral out of the 8th seed losing a nail biter against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night and blowing a 15 point lead and losing to the Miami Heat Sunday evening. The two wins for the Bulls, and two losses for the Raptors put Chicago 1/2 game out of the 8th and final playoff seed in the East.

Although both wins this weekend were against some of the worst in the league, they were must wins considering Chicago has a week of games that includes the Phoenix Suns and the red hot Charlotte Bobcats. With Luol Deng out indefinitely, it's hard to say if Chicago will be able to limp into the playoffs with James Johnson as their starting SF. James Johnson was also injured Saturday night and didn't play against the Nets. Although the Bulls won with a lineup that started Pargo, they're going to need JJ healthy if they want to attempt to compete for that last playoff spot.

It's generally believed that knocking out Toronto would give assurance that Chris Bosh would leave his team for a contender this offseason. Ideally the Bulls are thought to be one of the few teams that Bosh would consider signing with this summer. If the Bulls themselves could push the Raptors out of the playoff picture it may help Chicago's cause to sign Bosh. Although a win against Toronto on April 12th would help the Bulls in the standings, the Raptors own the tiebreaker and could sneak into the playoffs if the records match. Toronto plays Charlotte tonight, if Charlotte wins, the Bulls will be tied for the final playoff spot. The Bulls play Phoenix Tuesday at home.

Hopfully Deng will get back soon, the Bulls can get into the playoffs and give LeBron some hell. Go Bulls!