NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers (35-27) vs. Chicago Bulls (26-38)

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The Indiana Pacers (35-27) are set to face off against the Chicago Bulls (26-38) on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This game features two teams with contrasting seasons, as the Pacers aim to solidify their playoff position while the Bulls look to continue their recent momentum.

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Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have had a strong season, currently sitting in the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. They are looking to bounce back after a narrow 120-118 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, which marked their third loss in five games. Key players for the Pacers include:

Tyrese Haliburton: Leading the team with 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 12 assists per game. Haliburton has been a consistent offensive force for the Pacers.

Pascal Siakam: Averaging 22.3 points and 6.3 rebounds against the Bulls this season. Siakam has been a reliable scorer and playmaker for the Pacers.

Bennedict Mathurin: Returning from a four-game absence with a wrist injury, Mathurin scored 30 points in his last game. He has been a key player in the Pacers’ recent success.

In their last game against the Hawks, Pascal Siakam led the team with 23 points, while Andrew Nembhard chipped in with 11 points and 12 assists. The Pacers shot 43% from the field and 10 of 33 from the 3-point line. Despite their recent struggles, the Pacers are looking to secure a playoff spot and improve their road record.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have had a challenging season, currently sitting in the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. They are on a two-game winning streak and have won four of their last seven games. Key players for the Bulls include:

Josh Giddey: Leading the team with a triple-double of 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in their recent win against the Miami Heat. Giddey has been a consistent offensive force for the Bulls.

Coby White: Averaging 18.2 points per game this season. White has been a reliable scorer and playmaker for the Bulls.

Zach Collins: Contributing significantly with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists in their recent win against the Heat.

In their last game against the Heat, the Bulls shot 45% from the field and 11 of 42 from the 3-point line. They got off to a sluggish start but dominated the fourth quarter by 36-20 to pull off one of their best comeback wins of the season. The Bulls are looking to continue their momentum and secure a spot in the play-in tournament.

Game Insights

Points/Game: The Pacers are averaging 121.5 points per game, while the Bulls are averaging 119.0 points.

Rebounds/Game: The Pacers are averaging 39.1 rebounds per game, while the Bulls are averaging 45.6 rebounds.

Field Goal Percentage: The Pacers have shot at a 50.2% rate from the field this season, while the Bulls have shot at a 45.7% rate.

Injuries

Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (strained left hip flexor) is questionable. T.J. McConnell (sprained right ankle) is out. Bennedict Mathurin (wrist) has returned from a four-game absence.

Bulls: Nikola Vucevic (calf), Patrick Williams (knee), and Lonzo Ball (wrist) are day-to-day. Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder) is out for the season.

Indiana Pacers                                  – 4.5

Chicago Bulls                                     241.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 9, 2025