3 weeks already crossed off on the Joakim-thumb-recovery calender...5-6 more to go.
With Boston's injuries, Miami's slow start to the season, Orlando's bipolar-ness, and the putrid Eastern Conference, Chicago is looking good right now for a solid playoff seed. Plenty of hoops left, I know, but at the beginning of the year most figured that the Bulls were locked into the 4th seed (behind Boston, Miami, Orlando). If Chicago can stay afloat until the Noah return (they've been doing much better than merely "staying afloat" lately, as only two teams have better records since Dec. 4th) a top 3 or even 2 seed seems within reason. This would be huge. When teams are so evenly matched, having that game 7 at home could be the difference. Further, it can't hurt that Noah and Boozer should be well-rested for the long playoff run, each having missed significant time. I'd be more worried about Garnett's knee injury even though he'll only miss a week or two. In an older player with previous significant knee injuries, this could be something that lingers. We'll see.
The team that worries me most is clearly Boston. I want to avoid them in the semi-finals which would mean finishing 2 or 3...assuming Boston finishes first. Miami would be tough, but I don't think it would be a physical, grudge match....and it would be pretty damn entertaining.
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