With 10 days and 77 games left in the 2015-16 season, both conferences have a three-team race for the final two playoff spots. And currently on the outside are two of the most disappointing teams in the league.
In the East, the Chicago Bulls are two games behind the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers. In the West, the Houston Rockets are a game behind the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz.
Both the Bulls and Rockets have dealt with injuries this season, but their real issues are less tangible. Fred Hoiberg's offensive system hasn't worked in Chicago and Houston has lacked effort and cohesion on defense.