Last Updated: March 6 at 10:30 AM
Matchup
The Pacers (26-34) will look to put together their first four-game winning streak of the season on Friday night, when they host the Chicago Bulls (39-23). The two teams have split a pair of meetings earlier this season, with the Pacers winning in Chicago on Nov. 15 and the Bulls eking out a win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Dec. 29.
Indiana remains in the mix in a crowded race for the final few playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Blue & Gold currently reside in ninth place, but just a game and a half separates the teams from seventh to 10th.
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The Pacers have taken care of business during the first three games of this homestand. They've beaten cellar dwellers Philadelphia and New York and also knocked off a Cleveland team playing without two All-Stars (LeBron James and Kyrie Irving).
Friday's opponent also won't be at full strength. 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose and 2015 All-Star Jimmy Butler both recently sustained injuries that will keep them sidelined for several weeks. Chicago's dynamic backcourt duo has combined to average 38.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game this year.
But even without Rose and Butler, the Bulls, currently a half-game ahead of the Cavaliers for first place in the Central Division, are no pushover. They've proven under head coach Tom Thibodeau that they will compete hard every night, regardless of who they have or don't have on the floor. On Thursday night, they knocked off the Thunder on a last-second 3-pointer from former Purdue star E'Twaun Moore.
The "Odd Couple" of Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah makes for a formidable frontcourt. Gasol has enjoyed a rebirth in his first year in Chicago. The 34-year-old Spaniard is averaging 18.3 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. Noah, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, typically defers to his teammates on the offensive end. But he's come on strong lately, collecting double-doubles in and five of his last nine contests.
Projected Starters
George Hill
C.J. Miles
Solomon Hill
David West
Roy Hibbert
Aaron Brooks
Tony Snell
Mike Dunleavy
Pau Gasol
Joakim Noah
Pacers: PG - George Hill, SG - C.J. Miles, SF - Solomon Hill, PF - David West, C - Roy Hibbert
Bulls: PG - Aaron Brooks, SG - Tony Snell, SF - Mike Dunleavy, PF - Pau Gasol, C - Joakim Noah
Injury Report
Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation for broken right leg)
Bulls: Jimmy Butler - out (sprained left elbow), Derrick Rose - out (torn meniscus, right knee), Taj Gibson - doubtful (sprained left ankle)
Luis Scola averages more points per game (17.2) against the Bulls than against any other team in the NBA.
Last Meeting
December 29, 2014: The Pacers staged a memorable fourth-quarter rally, only to fall in the final seconds to Chicago at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 92-90.
Chicago had led by as many as 21 and held an 83-66 lead with 10:48 remaining before the Pacers reeled off a 20-0 run to reclaim the lead. Chris Copeland led the charge, scoring 11 points in that stretch. But the Bulls bounced back and Jimmy Butler buried a 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining that proved to be the game-winner.
Copeland led six Pacers players in double figures, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Butler led all scorers with 27 points and also added nine rebounds and four steals. Pau Gasol chipped in 20 for Chicago, while Derrick Rose had 17 points and six assists.
Noteworthy
- Chicago leads the overall series with Indiana 90-80, but the Pacers hold a 56-30 advantage at home.
- The Pacers have topped 100 points in nine of their last 15 games and are 9-0 in those contests.
- Indiana has used 14 different starting lineups this season. They only used five different lineups all of last season.
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 107.5/1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
Tickets
Limited seats still remain for Friday's game against Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and the Bulls. Secure your seats now: Find Tickets »
Bankers Life Fieldhouse Improvements Underway
Starting the week of Feb. 2, concession stands located outside of Sections 5 and 14 on the Main Concourse and Sections 215 and 231 on the Balcony Level will be temporarily closed. Fans sitting in these sections are asked to please visit other nearby concession stands. More Info »
Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special
Pacers Track Jackets - $40. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Please shop online also at PacersGear.com.