The Chicago Bulls will make a second consecutive postseason appearance when the first round versus the Heat tips off in Miami this evening (7:00 p.m. CT | ESPN, CSN/ESPN Radio 1000). Chicago rallied with six straight victories and 12-of-14 to qualify for their second straight playoff appearance for the first time since it won championships in 1997 and 1998. Fourteen of the Bulls' victories have come after trailing by at least 10 points, including Sunday's 117-93 victory over Miami. It was the Heat's worst home loss in four years. Chicago lost two of the three regular-season match-ups against the Heat, but is 10-1 in the playoff encounters. Miami's lone postseason victory against the Bulls was Game Four of the 1997 Eastern Conference finals. One day after the death of his mother, Mary, Miami coach Pat Riley is expected back on the sidelines Saturday. Riley went 41-20 with Miami after taking over for Stan Van Gundy on Dec. 13. Ranked second behind Phil Jackson in career playoff victories (155), Riley captured four titles with the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980's. A three-time champion with the Lakers (2000-2002), Shaquille O'Neal became the sixth player in history to shoot 60 percent from the floor in consecutive seasons. He averaged 20.0 points and 9.2 rebounds in 59 games. All-Star Dwyane Wade set a single-season franchise record with 2,040 points and joined Philadelphia's Allen Iverson as the only two players in the top 10 in scoring, assists and steals. Game Two of the series will be Monday. Tune in to watch tonight's game on ESPN ("Full Circle" coverage) or Comcast SportsNet Chicago (pregame at 6:00 p.m. and post-game afterwards) and listen to it on ESPN Radio 1000 (pregame show at 6:30 p.m.). Visit Bulls.com or click here now for a complete preview of this evening's contest. Probable Bulls Starters Guard 12 Kirk Hinrich 6-3 | 190 Guard 7 Ben Gordon 6-3 | 200 Forward 5 Andres Nocioni 6-7 | 225 Forward 35 Malik Allen 6-10 | 255 Center 50 Michael Sweetney 6-8 | 270 Click here now for Chicago's team roster and statistics. Probable Heat Starters Guard 55 Jason Williams 6-1 | 180 Guard 3 Dwyane Wade 6-4 | 212 Forward 42 James Posey 6-8 | 217 Forward 40 Udonis Haslem 6-8 | 235 Center 32 Shaquille O'Neal 7-1 | 325 Click here now for Miami's team roster and statistics. Injury Report Bulls Darius Songaila and Eddie Basden are not on the playoff roster. For a full report and the latest on Bulls' injuries, check out the AthletiCo Injury Report at Bulls.com. Heat Alonzo Mourning (left calf muscle) is reportedly out for tonight's game. NBA Playoffs | Series Notes Chicago owns a 37-29 lead in the regular season all-time series, including a 21-12 advantage in games played in Chicago ... the Heat and Bulls meet for the fourth playoff series between the two franchises ... Chicago owns a commanding 101 lead in playoff meetings versus Miami, including a perfect 7-0 mark in Chicago ... the only loss to the Heat in a playoff game was an 87-80 defeat at Miami in Game 4 of the 1997 Conference Finals (05/26/97) ... Games 1, 2 and 5 of the 1997 Eastern Conference Finals drew 24,544 fans, the largest home crowd in Bulls history (has happened 11 times in Bulls history). Defensive Minded Known last season for their stingy defense, Scott Skiles' team again tightened the screws on its opponents this season. Chicago held its opponents to just .426 shooting, the best defensive field goal percentage in the NBA. The Bulls began the season less aggressive defensively, allowing the team's defensive field goal percentage to swell to as much as .443 through the first 24 games. In 2004.05, the Bulls held opponents to a franchise record and League-best .422 field goal percentage. The last time a team led the NBA in lowest opponent field goal percentage in back-to-back seasons was San Antonio in 1997.98 and 1998.99.
