Chicago Bulls have 88.9 percent chance to make playoffs, according to one projection

The Chicago Bulls have an 88.9 percent chance to make the playoffs this season, according to John Hollinger of ESPN.com.

Hollinger's rankings simulate the remainder of the season 5,000 times to best determine a team's finish in the regular season. The Bulls are projected to finish the year with a 45-37 record, which would setup a first-round matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, who are expected to finish 47-35.

The Bulls have opened the season with an 11-9 record in their first 20 games, which currently places them in fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bulls have yet to welcome Derrick Rose back into the lineup this season after he suffered a knee injury in the playoffs last year. The Bulls are also currently playing without starting shooting guard Richard Hamilton, who is recovering from a sprained left foot that he suffered on Dec. 2.

The New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are the only teams that are considered 100 percent locks to make the playoffs this season, according to the rankings.