Here's what TNT analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley had to say about the Bulls today.

Smith on the Bulls being a defensive powerhouse in the Eastern Conference: "Chicago is probably the favorite because they have everyone back and they added (guard) Rip Hamilton. Defensively they can stop you. You take that into account and the best defensive team in basketball might be the Chicago Bulls. This is a team -that in 66 games- can really separate themselves in the Eastern Conference better than anyone else."

Barkley on the Eastern Conference: "The Heat and the Bulls are head and shoulders above everyone else. They are far-and-away the best two teams in the East."