The Indiana Pacers head to the United Center on Monday night to face the Chicago Bulls in a key Eastern Conference matchup. Indiana comes in at 35-27, sitting fifth in the East, while Chicago is 26-38, fighting to stay in the playoff race at 10th in the conference. The Pacers are 3-0 against the Bulls this season, including a 127-112 win on March 2.
Indiana has lost three of its last five games, all on the road, while Chicago has won two straight for the first time since early January. The Bulls are coming off comeback wins over Orlando and Miami, showing resilience in close games.
Pacers Preview – Indiana Looks to Snap Road Skid
Indiana has struggled on the road recently, dropping three straight away games. In their last loss to Atlanta, a late-game miscue by Pascal Siakam cost Indiana a chance to force overtime. Siakam mistakenly drove for a dunk instead of attempting a game-tying three-pointer, ending their comeback attempt.
Bennedict Mathurin’s return has been a positive sign for Indiana. He scored 30 points in his first game back after a four-game absence due to a wrist injury. Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ primary playmaker, remains questionable with a strained left hip flexor. Backup guard T.J. McConnell is also day-to-day after spraining his right ankle last game.
Siakam leads the team with 22.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game against Chicago this season. Indiana’s offense has been efficient all year, ranking third in field goal percentage (49.1%) and sixth in three-point shooting (37.1%). They have also excelled in ball movement, ranking fifth in assists per game (29.1).
Bulls Preview – Chicago Gaining Momentum
Chicago has found some rhythm after back-to-back wins. The Bulls rallied from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Miami 114-109 in their last outing. Josh Giddey led the way with 26 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, earning his third triple-double of the season.
Injuries have challenged Chicago’s lineup, with Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams, and Lonzo Ball all sidelined. Despite those absences, Tre Jones has stepped up, scoring 13 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter against Miami. Jones has been a key contributor on both ends, filling in for key starters.
Chicago has struggled defensively, ranking last in the league in opponent field goal percentage (47.1%) and allowing 120.6 points per game. Their defensive issues have contributed to a 31-32-1 record against the spread this season.
Key Matchup – Pascal Siakam vs Josh Giddey
Siakam and Giddey will be key to their teams’ success. Siakam has dominated this season series, averaging over 22 points per game against Chicago. Giddey has been Chicago’s best playmaker and has excelled in clutch situations. Both players will need strong performances to give their teams a chance to win.
Betting Prediction
Indiana has won all three meetings against Chicago this season, each by nine or more points. With Haliburton’s status uncertain, the Pacers’ offensive flow could be affected. However, Indiana’s efficient scoring and improved defense give them the edge.
Chicago’s recent success shows they can stay competitive, but the Pacers’ ability to close games has been stronger. Indiana’s past dominance in the season series makes them the safer pick in this matchup.
Pick: Pacers -4 / Over 240
