TNT's Charles Barkley joined the Dan Patrick Show Thursday morning to share his thoughts on the Bulls-Heat matchup and his predictions going into the playoffs.

"I still think the Bulls are the best team in the conference, but if they don't get Derrick Rose back, they're not going to win."

Rose suffered an ankle injury on Sunday during the Bulls' loss to the Knicks and remained in a walking boot to avoid running the risk of worsening the pain. After being sidelined for 12 consecutive games due to a strained groin, Chicago's reigning MVP is once again forced to recover from yet another physical ailment.

Rose returned to practice Wednesday and is listed as a game time decision in Thursday's matchup against Miami.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, Barkley doesn't see the Heat getting very far along without a strong presence from LeBron James. Unlike Chicago's 'Bench Mob', he says Miami doesn't have many other players that can elevate the team to win a ring.

"Unless LeBron James carries that team, they're not going to win the championship -- he's got to be their closer, finisher, everything, he's gotta play unbelievable, he's gotta be the walking triple-double for them to win the championship."