Bulls Knocked Out of Playoff Race After Loss in Oklahoma City
bulls-eliminated-from-2026-playoff-contention
The Chicago Bulls were officially removed from postseason contention on Friday, falling 119-107 to the Thunder in Oklahoma City. The defeat dropped Chicago to 29-44, leaving the club 9.5 games behind the Miami Heat (39-35) for the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference with only nine games remaining.
The Bulls sat at 24-25 through the end of January but shifted to a rebuilding posture before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, sending several veterans elsewhere. Since Feb. 1, the team has posted a 5-19 record.
Roster turnover could continue this summer. Ten of the 18 players under contract are in line to reach free agency, a group that includes third-year forward Leonard Miller, whose $2.4 million team option for 2026-27 must be decided.
Chicago is the ninth NBA team eliminated from playoff contention, joining Indiana, Brooklyn, Washington, Sacramento, Utah, Dallas, Memphis and New Orleans. The Milwaukee Bucks (29-43) would become the 10th if they lose once more or if Charlotte, Orlando and Miami each record one additional win.
Friday’s result placed the Bulls ninth in the reverse standings, giving them a 20.3% chance at a top-four pick in the 2026 draft and 4.5% odds of securing the No. 1 selection. Should they remain in ninth position when the regular season ends, they would have a 50.7% likelihood of drafting at that spot.
Source: Hoops Rumors
