Lucky Number Seven

Christmas has absolutely no business popping up in April.

Sporting red and green jerseys that would've made even Santa nauseous, the Chicago Bulls somehow managed to overcome their fashionably-negligent appearance and drop the 76ers 113-99, improving to 39-40 overall and reducing their magic number to one.

Looking to head back to the playoffs for the fourth time in five years after last year's disappointing absence, the Bulls, according to Tyrus Thomas, are the most dangerous team in the Eastern Conference. Before we get to that nugget, let's tackle last night.

The Bulls continued to impress at that United Center, improving to 27-12 on their own playground. Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, John Salmons, and the aforementioned Thomas all scored in double figures in addition to the 15 points that Brad Miller chipped in from the bench. With the win, the Bulls pulled a half-game ahead of the Pistons for the 7th seed in the East, a position that will likely match them up against Boston if the current standings hold out.

Now, to Tyrus. The Bulls aren't the trendy pick to win the East. Hell, the Bulls aren't even a trendy pick to win an opening series. However, Tyrus does have a bit of a point. The Bulls are hot right now, and as Sam Smith mentioned over at Bulls.com, this recent shift in the win column feels eerily similar to the stretch runs under Scott Skiles' tenure as head coach.

If they can win a game or two on the road and then get back to the United Center, that really changes the layout of the land. Plus, the Bulls have been able to play with some of the best this season. Remember what they did to Orlando? Houston? Boston? Cleveland at Cleveland? This team tends to play to the level of its competition. The Playoffs would be an ideal location for Tyrus to test that theory.

The comparisons to the recent playoff teams come to a screeching halt there though. The difference between those teams and this year's incarnation? Defense. The Skiles era was defined by grit. That grit, that tenacity, isn't apparent in this year's club. They can score at the highest clip since the Jordan era, but getting into a shootout with Boston?

Hello Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Your table is ready.

Plus, who's going to stop Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, or LeBron James in the post? The playoffs are traditionally a half-court game, which won't allow the Bulls to run as much as they like to. Thus, a half-court defense would go a long way. That's why I can't see the Bulls winning an opening series.

So why is this scenario of an inevitable beat down better than another lottery pick?

Derrick Rose.

This season has been about Rose, and the playoffs won't be an exception. This is about Rose getting experience, learning what it's like to play on the big stage, and seeing who is capable of hanging with the kid. Resigning Gordon is still a huge question mark, as is keeping Hinrich and Salmons. Thus, an audition at the next level is crucial.

It's hard to pick a favorable match up when you look at Cleveland and Boston. Both play well at home, with the Cavs sporting only one loss. Both teams are playoff tested, and both have the necessary star power. Personally, I'd have to go with the Celtics. Garnett isn't at full strength, and LeBron would want nothing more than to show the city of Chicago that he's the second coming of you-know-who on an even brighter stage.

But hey, maybe Tyrus knows what he's talking about. Maybe.