Despite trades, the Bulls are (somehow) still in the playoff hunt

Between the lines: The Bulls have been in the play-in tournament three seasons straight, but haven't reached the actual playoffs since 2022.

Zoom out: Chicago entered this season as a potential rebuild candidate after trading stars DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. Zach LaVine was also traded midseason.

Yes, but: Instead of folding and playing for draft position, the new look Bulls improved.

• It's been fun to watch (even though most Bulls fans aren't).

Who to watch: Coby White. The six-year player has emerged as a star in the league, while Josh Giddey and rookie Matas Buzelis have also dazzled down the stretch.

State of play: If the Bulls can beat the Heat on Wednesday, they will still have to play the loser of the Orlando vs. Atlanta matchup to secure the 8th seed.

• Winning both games would secure Chicago a first-round matchup against the best team in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The bottom line: It's a far cry from what fans expect from the Bulls franchise, but at least it is postseason play.