No Bull: Chicago only a game out

(Basketball News) - The Chicago Bulls have a good chance at making the playoffs this season, but stranger things have happened down the stretch.

Philadelphia is barely in control of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, holding just a one-game lead over the pesky Bulls and a four-game gap between the Boston Celtics.

The Bulls have won four of their last five games after dropping four straight from March 15 - March 22. They just earned a King Kong-sized victory over the Celtics on Saturday before a sellout crowd of 21,799.

Kirk Hinrich scored 25 points in the 100-94 victory at the United Center, while Luol Deng, Mike Sweetney and Ben Gordon each netted 14 points. Chicago also beat the Celts in Beantown on March 26.

Hinrich scored 23 points in the second half for the Bulls, who benefited from a 36-of-46 clip from the free throw line. Chicago swept Boston in the season series (4-0) and has won five in a row against the Celtics.

Chicago, which is in search of its second playoff appearance since the 1998 championship, will host the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night before opening a crucial home-and-home series with the 76ers.

Philadelphia has won nine of the last 13 meetings with the Bulls, including a a 108-102 loss on February 25th at the Wachovia Center.

New Jersey, Atlanta, Washington, Miami, Orlando and Toronto are also on the slate for the Bulls.

CHI

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