Bulls take 11-game win streak vs. Raptors into big week for their playoff push – Chicago Tribune

With 12 games left, the Bulls are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, one game behind a Pistons team they face at home Wednesday.

Beyond the pressure, is a playoff chase fun?

"No," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "It's miserable."

The seriousness with which Hoiberg delivered his answer spoke to the difficult place in which the Bulls find themselves. They're striving for playoff relevancy while trying to develop six players in their first or second seasons.

Hoiberg's answer also underscored how much he would rather be higher in the standings. But internal belief remains that the Bulls can secure a postseason berth.

"We're definitely not in panic mode," Michael Carter-Williams said. "We're more hungry, if anything. (Making the playoffs) would mean a lot. It's one of our goals. We showed some resiliency through some ups and downs."

Hoiberg said the team's preparation and focus on getting back to basics have improved of late.

Raptors roll: The Bulls have won 11 straight over the Raptors, including the first two meetings in Chicago this season. Hoiberg pointed out this will be a different-looking team with Kyle Lowry sidelined by injury and the additions of Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker at the trade deadline.

"I've been really impressed with what Cory Joseph has brought to that team," Hoiberg said of Lowry's fill-in at point guard. "Defensively, they've been terrific. They really get up into you; they try to deny and pressure all over the floor."

Rotation roulette: Carter-Williams downplayed his return to the rotation, which featured his playing the entire fourth quarter of Saturday's victory over the Jazz.

"I've been in and out a lot. We've had a lot of different lineups," he said. "But right now, I don't think anybody's worried about it. It's all focused on winning basketball.

"Coaches have been great. Guys have been great who aren't playing. We all support each other, and we're just going out and looking to win."

Hoiberg has cited Carter-Williams' defensive intensity as the reason he re-inserted the guard into the rotation.

"I'm just trying to get guys shots and play solid on defense. Get to the hoop when I can," Carter-Williams said. "Just try to bring the team back if we're losing and keep it going if we're winning. I've been told since I was in the NBA to always be ready."

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Bulls take 11-game win streak vs. Raptors into big week for their playoff push - Chicago Tribune