Chicago:

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Detroit -4

Over/under: 196.5

Score: Detroit wins 100-96

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 107.5 (21st)

Detroit defensive rating: 107.9 (14th)

Detroit pace: 86.8 (29th)

Chicago offensive rating: 108.5 (14th)

Chicago defensive rating: 108.7 (18th)

Chicago pace: 93.1 (9th)

Score: Tie 97-97

Outlook

If the Bulls win, the Pistons will be the eighth seed and face Cleveland in the first round. For an explanation of scenarios if Detroit wins, check out this post.

The Bulls have been hot, hotter and peaking. They’ve won four in a row, eight of 10 and 11 of 14. In the stretch, Chicago’s offensive and defensive rating have improved.

And the Bulls are playing at a faster pace. The Pistons struggled Saturday with the Pacers, who have become more of a run and gun team as the season has progressed.

Derrick Rose has limited his turnovers and improved his jump shooting as of late. And Joakim Noah has really elevated his game, too.

A silver lining for the Pistons: the Bulls have lost two in a row and nine of their last 11 on the road.

For more on Chicago, check out Bulls By The Horns.