Doug McDermott, Bulls following schedule, scoreboard down stretch

Scoreboard watching is alive and well for the Bulls these days.

Not only because of the importance this organization puts on making the postseason, but what the players actually believe can happen if they do survive the regular season and grab an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

“We know that if we get into the playoffs we feel like we can do some damage, and I think we’re fighting for a lot right now,’’ forward Doug McDermott said.

With just 14 regular-season games left, including eight of them on the road, the Bulls haven’t actually made it easy for themselves.

Unless Charlotte or Boston have complete meltdowns, the bottom of the East is basically four teams fighting for the final two spots. Indiana holds the No. 7 right now, while the Bulls and Pistons are tied for the No. 8 and final spot. Washington has won four straight to now be close enough to make it interesting.

“This week is huge for us,’’ McDermott said. “There’s some winnable games on the schedule. Whoever comes out with the most energy at this point of the season usually wins. That’s been the big point of emphasis lately.’’

The hope for the Bulls is that message hasn’t been received too late.

Must-wins

Mar. 21 – Sacramento at Bulls: The Kings have been fading for the last month, and the Bulls need to keep that trend alive and well.

Mar. 23 – New York at Bulls: Phil Jackson continues to show that building a winner is much tougher than inheriting one.

Mar. 24 – Bulls at New York: The unique home-and-home back-to-back is in play for both teams, and the Bulls need to start playing better on the road.

Apr. 2 – Detroit at Bulls: Best way to distance themselves from the Pistons is to beat them. They will have one last chance at the United Center.

Apr. 3 – Bulls at Milwaukee: They have taken two-of-three from the Bucks this season, and need to make it three-of-four.

Apr. 13 – Philadelphia at Bulls: Basically a bye to end the season on.

Flip-a-coin games

Mar. 26 – Bulls at Orlando: The Magic have made it tough on the Bulls the last two seasons, even making them work extra hard to earn wins.

Mar. 28 – Atlanta at Bulls: A team that is down from last season, but has been an awful matchup for the Bulls in recent meetings.

Mar. 31 – Bulls at Houston: Much like the Bulls, the Rockets have been a complete disappointment, but still capable of beating anyone.

Apr. 11 – Bulls at New Orleans: Who knows if Anthony Davis will be playing or if the Pelicans will even show up.

Uphill climb

Mar. 29 – Bulls at Indiana: The Bulls have won two-of-three against the Pacers this season, but not an ideal place to play this late in the year.

Apr. 5 – Bulls at Memphis: The Grizzlies might be banged up, but are still finding ways to grind out wins and stay in the middle of the Western Conference playoff race.

Apr. 7 – Bulls at Miami: A terrible matchup for the Bulls all season long, and no team in the East looks more dangerous as of late.

Apr. 9 – Cleveland at Bulls: LeBron James in April. Enough said.