CHICAGO -- After entering the All-Star break tied for first place in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls' prolonged second-half struggles have seen them fall in the standings as they endure their worst stretch of the season heading into the playoffs.
Chicago locked itself into the No. 6 seed in the East on Friday night, following a 133-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets in which the Bulls trailed by as many as 37 points at the United Center. It was the fourth consecutive loss for the Bulls, all at home, all by double-digits and all to playoff teams in the East.