This team is out of gas.

The Allstar break and thereturn, can't here fast enough.  This team is just running out of gas from the energy they have been using to not only hold down the fort but to "overachieve" thus far.

Also, the Bulls continue to have a bad record without Kirk Hinrich.  His impact and absense has been very underrated. 

agree hinrich might not be as good as robinson on offense but he can score a little and defend better. i think noahs injury is hanging around even though hes playing, and luol seems to be a step slow as well, making me think his hammy isnt 100 percent either.

overall im happy with how theyve played despite all the injuries. the Spurs are good and hit some timely 3 point daggers everytime we made a run... then when we finally tied it back up we just didnt have anything left.

Perfect time for a rest.

They have been out of gas and running on fumes for a bit.  Deng playing the 4 has taken an even greater toll.  He was was already wearing down.

Noah is not going to be able to play 40 minutes a game and Boozer is lucky to stay healthy.

The next man up line from Tibs is complete and utter BS.  Playing guys 45 minutes a game while other people sit is not next man up. 

Right now I don't see how this team can go into the playoffs in a good position.  Not enough depth at the 4/5 and Deng playing huge minutes. 

Well since the Pacers are not going to lose to the Bobcats Wednesday, the Bulls have to muster out one more win before the allstar break.  That would put them 10 games over .500 and only a half game out of 3rd place.  Overrall really impressive first half the season when considering the circumstances.

Ideal first round match up against the Hawks or Bucks, would like to avoid Nets or Celtics.  

Ideal first round match up against the Hawks or Bucks,

Not much chance of that. I don't see the Bulls getting higher than 3 or falling further than 5. Most likely they will play the Nets in the 1st round.  Hopefully they can get the 4 seed so they get the series at home. 

I don't think the Hawks will hold onto 6th; especially if they trade Smith. 

Part of the issue with Heinrich being out is that Nate has to play almost the entire game, because they don't trust Teague.  Nate is better playing 20-25 minutes agains the opponent's backups.  Without Rose, it really doesn't matter as they are not a title contender.  Right now I would not mind playing the Celtics in the playoffs.  They are old and have lost 3 of their top players for the year.

Wow we look really bad right now. What an ugly game.

lost to the Heat but didnt play bad. it was a ok game with out noah, rose, rip and gibson.