Bulls playoff chances

Chicago Bulls playoff chances

20% to make the playoffs.

The Bulls (1-2) make the playoffs in 20% of 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season. That is 9% in the top six and straight in, and 27% in the play-in. They finish about 33-49 on average. A win at the Celtics on Monday, October 26 would put them at 30%; a loss, 17%.

The Bulls, 2026-27

Record
1-2
Make the playoffs
20%
Top six (no play-in)
9%
Play-in (7th to 10th)
27%
No. 1 seed in the East
<1%
Win a playoff round
5%
Reach the conference final
2%
Reach the NBA Finals
1%
Win the NBA title
<1%
Average finish
33-49

Next game

At the Celtics, Mon, Oct 26. The model gives them 25% to win it. Win and their playoff chance is 30%; lose and it is 17%.

The rest of the East

Pistons 98%, Celtics 88%, Hawks 86%, Raptors 78%, 76ers 74%, Cavaliers 71%, Knicks 66%, Hornets 66%, Magic 53%, Heat 38%. Every team: NBA playoff odds.

Each club is rated by its scoring margin this season against the schedule it played, adjusted for home court (2.2 points) and started from last season's rating, which counts for less as the season's games add up. The rest of the regular season is played 10,000 times, with each club's rating redrawn within its uncertainty every time; the two NBA Cup games not yet scheduled are played against an average club. Each conference is seeded on wins (ties are a coin flip), 7 to 10 play the play-in, and every playoff round is played out best of seven. A forecast from the scores, not the betting market.

Questions

What are the Bulls' chances of making the playoffs?

The Bulls (1-2) make the playoffs in 20% of 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season. That is 9% in the top six and straight in, and 27% in the play-in. They finish about 33-49 on average. A win at the Celtics on Monday, October 26 would put them at 30%; a loss, 17%.

Can the Bulls win the NBA title?

In <1% of simulations. They reach the NBA Finals in 1% and win a playoff round in 5%.

How much does the Bulls' next game matter?

Win and their playoff chance is 30%; lose and it is 17%. The model gives them a 25% chance to win it.