What would you do in this hypothetical situation? (Playoff seeding)

[Roy H.]

Let's say it comes down to the last game of the regular season, and we're tied for Chicago for the #1 seed.  Chicago is playing the Nets, a game they should win easily.  We've got the Knicks.  Miami finally recovered from its slide and is playing well lately, but not in time to avoid the #4 seed.  Orlando is at #3.  Let's say Indiana is at #8, and Philly is #7.

In that situation, is it more important to grab the #1 seed, and to have home court against Chicago?  Or, should we "strategically rest" guys in the last game, to secure the #2 seed and play Orlando in the second round?

[wdleehi]

Beat Chicago.



Show dominance over a potential foe.




In the 2nd round, beat Miami.  If they are 4th, Orlando is likely playing much better.  I rather avoid a hot Howard then Miami without size. 

[Lucky17]

Win. Secure HCA, and take the easiest hypothetical 2nd round opponent. I'd rather face only one of Chicago and Orlando, not both.

BTW, is Atlanta the #5 seed in that hypothetical scenario? A Miami-Atlanta first round matchup would be a good one, I think.

[Donoghus]

Try and secure HCA.

The Bulls are an extremely dangerous team playing at the United Center.  Don't give them they extra game if you have the opportunity to secure HCA and avoid that. 

One game's rest isn't going to fix much.

[Roy H.]

Win. Secure HCA, and take the easiest hypothetical 2nd round opponent. I'd rather face only one of Chicago and Orlando, not both.

BTW, is Atlanta the #5 seed in that hypothetical scenario? A Miami-Atlanta first round matchup would be a good one, I think.

Yeah, to flesh out the scenario, playoff seeds are:

1t.  Chicago
1t.  Boston
3. Orlando
4. Miami
5. Atlanta
6. New York
7. Philadelphia
8. Indiana

In the West, win or lose we finish ahead of Dallas and LA, but behind San Antonio.

[Roy H.]

Try and secure HCA.

The Bulls are an extremely dangerous team playing at the United Center.  Don't give them they extra game if you have the opportunity to secure HCA and avoid that. 

One game's rest isn't going to fix much.

To be clear, the "rest" is only an excuse; the team would really be losing to try to avoid Miami in the second round.

I tend to agree with everyone else that it's bad karma to lose on purpose, and that we shouldn't play scared of any team.  I'd go for home court, as well, although I do think Orlando would be a much easier opponent in the second round than the Heat.

[BballTim]

  If you're going to try and be strategic, Chicago plays Orlando a few games earlier. If Orlando wins that game I'd rather have the Bulls face them than the Heat. Plus Dwight might help us out and waylay a couple of their players with his Amazing Flying Elbows of Death.

[toinewalka]

I think you have to take the win there and get home court.  If the first round is an issue, then we have bigger worries.  After that, the Magic scare me slightly (and only at this point) more than the Heat do because we get to the basket and the Heat can't protect it.  Howard can, and he gets the benefit of the whistle against our stars more often than he should.  Plus, you really look ahead (although you shouldn't) to those final two rounds, and home court is big against those young, emotional forwards the Bulls have (ex-Boozer).

[BudweiserCeltic]

Win the games before it gets to that point.

[Donoghus]

Last year should illustrate the importance of playing a potential Game 7 at home. 

If you got a shot at it, you gotta take it.

[Vermont Green]

It doesn't matter if it is game 82 or game 62, standings shouldn't decide who plays and who rests.  If for example, Pierce needs rest for some reason, then rest him and take your chances.  If everyone is "fine" then play them.

[CNYCeltsfan]

never lose a game on purpose to effect seeding.  either way we are going to have to face 2 out of 3 of miami, chicago, and orlando.  If we have game 7 at home I like our chances.  I would not want to play game 7 in Chicago

[BballTim]

It doesn't matter if it is game 82 or game 62, standings shouldn't decide who plays and who rests.  If for example, Pierce needs rest for some reason, then rest him and take your chances.  If everyone is "fine" then play them.

  It's more important to rest up for the playoffs than for games 63-82 though.

[Vermont Green]

It doesn't matter if it is game 82 or game 62, standings shouldn't decide who plays and who rests.  If for example, Pierce needs rest for some reason, then rest him and take your chances.  If everyone is "fine" then play them.

  It's more important to rest up for the playoffs than for games 63-82 though.

It is only important if he needs rest.  Resting for the sake of resting accomplishes nothing in my opinion.  Also, if Pierce (for example) is tired or sore after game 62 and game 63 is the next day, then I say rest him if that is what he needs.  If the playoffs started the very next day, then I would rest all the starters but that isn't ever the case.

[slamtheking]

Win the games before it gets to that point.

TP for the best and appropriate solution