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NBA Playoffs 2016: Why Chicago Bulls will make postseason

By Charles Rahrig V

Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) argues a call with a referee in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) argues a call with a referee in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-88. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (left) and forward Nikola Mirotic (center) on the bench in street clothes during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (left) and forward Nikola Mirotic (center) on the bench in street clothes during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Getting Jimmy Butler back

It’s hard to fairly judge the Chicago Bulls this season because of the injuries that they have to deal with all year. They haven’t just been trying to hold on without a few role players, they have been trying to hold on without their superstar small forward, Jimmy Butler.

Butler hurt his knee earlier in the season at Denver and while it looked like at the time it could be a season-ending injury, it didn’t turn out to be and Butler is expected to come back within the next couple of weeks. The good news is that the Bulls have kept it close without Butler.

When he does come back, it will provide a huge offensive boost to the Bulls, as they try to get through the last few weeks of the season and pick up some much needed wins toward making the postseason.

Butler is a difference maker in this league and is easily the difference between making the playoffs and just missing it.

What Butler provides is the ability to knock down big shots and be the guy that the Bulls can depend on in the clutch. With some big games ahead of them, the Bulls need Butler to be that guy they can give the ball to in the fourth quarter and rely on to bring home a win.

Next: 3. Up the defensive effort

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